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Updated: May 4, 2026
07:08
Long-term Behavioral and Reproductive Consequences of Embryonic Exposure to Low-dose Toxicants
Published on: March 6, 2018
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Poisonous plants: effects on embryo and fetal development
Kip E Panter1, Kevin D Welch, Dale R Gardner
1USDA-Agricultural Research Service, Poisonous Plant Research Laboratory, 1150 East 1400 North, Logan, Utah, 84341.
Birth Defects Research. Part C, Embryo Today : Reviews
|December 17, 2013
Summary
Poisonous plants cause significant livestock losses and birth defects in offspring. Research focuses on identification, effects, and management strategies to mitigate these risks.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Toxicology
- Teratology
- Agricultural Science
Background:
- Poisonous plant research initiated over a century ago due to livestock mortality.
- Key toxic plants include locoweeds, larkspurs, and water hemlock, causing substantial economic losses.
- The Poisonous Plant Research Laboratory (PPRL) has evolved to address plant identification, toxicology, and mitigation strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review plants impacting embryo/fetal and neonatal development.
- To emphasize plants causing congenital malformations (birth defects).
- To provide a general overview of plant effects on developing offspring.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of poisonous plants affecting livestock and offspring.
- Focus on plants causing teratogenic effects.
- Companion paper details molecular mechanisms of toxicoses and teratogenesis.
Main Results:
- Identified numerous poisonous plants responsible for livestock poisoning and developmental abnormalities.
- Highlighted the historical and ongoing impact of toxic plants on animal agriculture.
- PPRL has become an international leader in poisonous plant research.
Conclusions:
- Understanding poisonous plants is crucial for preventing livestock losses and birth defects.
- Research contributes to both animal health and biomedical advancements.
- Effective grazing management and plant identification are key mitigation strategies.
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