Sometimes only one calf is affected. At other times more than 20 cows have been lost in a single poisoning incident. Why lead affects cattle Even a small amount of lead can kill cattle. Cattle will readily drink crankcase oil, lick grease from machinery and chew on lead plumbing and batteries. The lead in these materials settles in the stomachs of cattle, where stomach acids gradually change the lead into poisonous salts.
Lead causes anemia when it combines with red blood cells and bone marrow.
It damages the small blood vessels, causing bleeding, and deprives the nerves, the brain and other organs of oxygen. Lead severely damages the kidney and liver. It also causes sterility, fetal death and abortion. Lead poisoning is most common among calves because they are curious feeders, and both milk and milk substitutes increase the amount of lead absorbed by calves. Sucking animals can also receive lead in their milk.