Lupine poisoning

6002

12/30/01

Etiology

Seeds are the part of the plant that are the greatest problem.

Symptoms

The first symptoms will occur about one hour after consumption. Breathing will be heavy and labored. The animal will become depressed, then comatose with snoring. Cattle that eat lupines while pregnant frequently deliver calves with skeletal defects; the effect on pregnant goats may not be as well documented.

Treatment

Correction of acid base disturbance (pH).

Prevention

All lupines should be eliminated from pastures. If it is unreasonable to do so, make sure that pregnant animals are removed from pastures containing lupines, especially during the first tri-mester.

Comments

Lupine poisoning is a separate entity from lupinosis, a disease caused by fungus organisms which grow on lupine plants and produce toxic substances..

Purdue

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