Related Experiment Videos
[The weakest link: medroxyprogesterone acetate in pig feed]
L van Leengoed1, M Kluivers, R Herbes
1Hoofdafdeling Gezondheidszorg Landbouwhuisdieren, Afdeling Varkensgezondheidszorg, Faculteit der Diergeneeskunde, Utrecht.
Tijdschrift Voor Diergeneeskunde
|September 25, 2002
Summary
Medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) in feed disrupted sow reproduction, causing farrowing arrest and cystic ovaries. MPA residues were detected in slaughter sows, leading to farm controls.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Animal Reproduction
- Food Safety
Context:
- Medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) is an illegal growth promoter in livestock within the EU.
- Pharmaceutical waste containing MPA contaminated acidified feed by-products on a sow farm.
- This contamination led to significant reproductive disorders in sows.
Purpose:
- To investigate the cause of reproductive disorders in sows on a specific farm.
- To identify and quantify residues of medroxyprogesterone acetate in affected animals.
- To discuss the role of veterinary practitioners in identifying food safety hazards.
Summary:
- MPA-contaminated feed arrested farrowing and induced post-lactational anoestrus in sows.
- Sixty percent of sows developed cystic ovaries after weaning due to MPA exposure.
- Residues of 2.5-8 ppb MPA were found in the renal fat of slaughter sows via chromatography.
Impact:
- Highlights the risk of pharmaceutical waste contaminating animal feed.
- Demonstrates the adverse effects of MPA on swine reproductive health.
- Led to official controls on MPA-exposed farms, emphasizing food safety concerns.