Chapter 46 – Toxic plants

Poisonous plants often interfere with optimum reproductive performance in livestock. Production of healthy offspring at the proper time interval with adequate neonatal care and nutrition for rapid and healthy growth and development is a common goal of most livestock producers. The recognition that poisonous plants have a major impact on reproductive performance is relatively new, and the economic impact is not fully realized and seldom reported. Effects on spermatogenesis, oogenesis, libido, fertilization, placentation, embryo–fetal survival, development (birth defects) and growth, postpartum intervals, and neonatal survival and development are all factors affected by poisonous plants. A few basic steps outlined in this chapter can improve reproductive performance and reduce the risk of livestock losses from poisonous plants.