Teratogenicity and toxicity of coniine in cows, ewes, and mares

Cows, ewes, and mares varied considerably in susceptibility to toxicoses from the oral administration of the piperidine alkaloid, coniine. Cows were most susceptible and ewes least. Only calves had teratogenic effects from maternal administration of coniine during gestation; lambs and foals were apparently resistant. Results suggest that the marked differences between cattle and sheep are probably not due to variation in gut absorption or rumen metabolism.