Production Animal Clinical Toxicology

Plants | Epidemiology | Pathogenesis | Clinical Signs | Treatment | Control

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Plants

Leucaena leucocephala - lead tree

Epidemiology

• cultivated to limited extent as a protein source for animals in tropics - 25% protein
• toxic effects after long-term ingestion

Pathogenesis

• toxic amino acid mimosine - inhibits DNA synthesis and is a depilatory agent
• can also be metabolised to a goitrogenic compound that can induce suboptimal growth

Clinical Signs

• horses - symmetrical hair loss - coat, mane and tail
• cattle - hair loss
• goitre
• hyperexcitability due to inhibition of enzyme that inactivates adrenalin and noradrenalin
• salivation; oral erosions

Treatment

• remove and animals recover

Control

• low mimosine strains
• grazing management
• mimosine degrading ruminal bacteria are being investigated for potential control