Plant-induced reproductive disease, abortion and teratology in livestock

Authors: Stegelmeier, Bryan; Davis, Thomas - Zane; CLAYTON, MICHAEL - Utah State University

Submitted to: Veterinary Clinics of North America
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 8/31/2020
Publication Date: 10/5/2020
Citation: Stegelmeier, B.L., Davis, T.Z., Clayton, M.J. 2020. Plant-induced reproductive disease, abortion and teratology in livestock. Veterinary Clinics of North America. 36:735-743. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cvfa.2020.08.004.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cvfa.2020.08.004

Interpretive Summary: Whether poisoned by grazing toxic plants or be eating feeds that are contaminated by toxic plants, affected livestock often have compromised reproductive function including infertility, abortion and fetal deformities. As all facets of reproduction are also affected by stress, nutritional status, season of the year, animal species and breed, genetic variability, various infectious diseases, and a variety of management factors in addition to reproductive xenobiotic toxins including plant toxins, identifying the cause of reproductive disease is challenging. Certainly all diagnostic tools- field studies, clinical signs, gross and microscopic pathology as well as chemical identification of plant and plant toxins in animal samples are essential to make an accurate diagnosis, to develop intervening management strategies and to improve the reproductive performance. The objectives of this review are to briefly introduce toxic plants that are reproductive toxins, abortifacients or teratogens. Summarize common plant induced reproductive diseases, clinical and microscopic lesions and recommendations to avoid poisoning are included.

Technical Abstract: Whether poisoned by grazing toxic plants or be eating feeds that are contaminated by toxic plants, affected livestock often have compromised reproductive function including infertility, abortion and fetal deformities. As all facets of reproduction are also affected by stress, nutritional status, season of the year, animal species and breed, genetic variability, various infectious diseases, and a variety of management factors in addition to reproductive xenobiotic toxins including plant toxins, identifying the cause of reproductive disease is challenging. Certainly all diagnostic tools- field studies, clinical signs, gross and microscopic pathology as well as chemical identification of plant and plant toxins in animal samples are essential to make an accurate diagnosis, to develop intervening management strategies and to improve the reproductive performance. The objectives of this review are to briefly introduce toxic plants that are reproductive toxins, abortifacients or teratogens. Summarize common plant induced reproductive diseases, clinical and microscopic lesions and recommendations to avoid poisoning are included.