The Experts below are selected from a list of 312 Experts worldwide ranked by ideXlab platform
James A. Pfister - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
-
Analysis of rumen contents and ocular fluid for toxic alkaloids from goats and cows dosed Larkspur (Delphinium barbeyi), lupine (Lupinus leucophyllus), and death camas (Zigadenus paniculatus).
Toxicon : official journal of the International Society on Toxinology, 2020Co-Authors: Stephen T. Lee, Kevin D. Welch, Dale R. Gardner, Clinton A. Stonecipher, Daniel Cook, James A. PfisterAbstract:Abstract Larkspurs, lupines, and death camas can be acutely toxic to livestock and are serious poisonous plant problems in western North America. The toxicity of these plants depends on the composition and concentrations of the toxic alkaloids in the plants. In this study, goats and cows were dosed sub-lethal doses of Larkspur, lupine, and death camas. Rumen contents and ocular fluid samples were collected, and simple extraction, sample preparation, and analytical methods were developed for the detection of toxic alkaloids in the rumen contents and ocular fluid samples. Toxic alkaloids were detected in the rumen contents and ocular fluid samples from the goats and cows dosed Larkspur, lupine, and death camas. In addition, results from a case report where rumen contents were analyzed from a steer that was suspected to have died due to Larkspur are reported. This demonstrates the utility of the methods described for the diagnosis of acute plant poisonings.
-
Larkspur Poisoning of Cattle: Plant and Animal Factors that Influence Plant Toxicity
Rangelands, 2020Co-Authors: Benedict T. Green, Kevin D. Welch, Dale R. Gardner, Clinton A. Stonecipher, James A. Pfister, Daniel Cook, Stephen T. Lee, T. Zane Davis, Bryan L. StegelmeierAbstract:On the Ground • Toxic Larkspurs (Delphinium species) cause large economic losses from cattle deaths, increased management costs, and reduced utilization of pastures and rangelands. • Larkspur toxicity to cattle can vary by geographic location due to toxic alkaloid content. • Larkspur alkaloid chemistry can be used to predict plant toxicity. • Cattle breeds differ in their susceptibility to Larkspur poisoning. • As cattle age from yearlings to two-year olds, they become less susceptible to Larkspur. • Heifers are three times more likely to be poisoned at the same dose of Larkspur alkaloids than either bulls or steers, suggesting that they must be managed differently on rangelands where Larkspur is present.
-
Animal and plant factors which affect Larkspur toxicosis in cattle: Sex, age, breed, and plant chemotype.
Toxicon : official journal of the International Society on Toxinology, 2019Co-Authors: Benedict T. Green, Dale R. Gardner, Clinton A. Stonecipher, Daniel Cook, John W. Keele, Gary L. Bennett, James A. PfisterAbstract:Larkspur (Delphinium spp.) poisoning is a long-term problem for cattle grazing on rangelands of western North America. Recent research has shown that both plant and animal-based factors are critical in understanding and mitigating Larkspur poisoning in cattle. Non-toxicological factors including sex, age, cattle breed, and plant chemotype affect cattle responses to Larkspur. For example, Angus heifers are more susceptible to Larkspur intoxication than are steers or bulls. Young cattle appear to be more susceptible to Larkspur poisoning than mature animals. Beef breeds of cattle are more susceptible to Larkspur intoxication than dairy breeds. In addition to animal factors, plant alkaloid composition (chemotype) affects the potential toxicity for cattle because of differences in the ratios and concentrations of highly toxic N-(methylsuccinimido) anthranoyllycoctonine (MSAL)-type alkaloids compared to less lethal non-MSAL-type alkaloids. Animal- and plant-based factors can provide substantial information to inform livestock producers on management to reduce risk and cattle losses to various Larkspur species in western North America.
-
Evaluation of noninvasive specimens to diagnose livestock exposure to toxic Larkspur (Delphinium spp.).
Toxicon : official journal of the International Society on Toxinology, 2019Co-Authors: Clinton A. Stonecipher, Kevin D. Welch, Benedict T. Green, James A. Pfister, Daniel Cook, Stephen T. Lee, Dale R. GardnerAbstract:Abstract Larkspurs (Delphinium spp.) are native perennial plants that have a serious toxic potential to cattle on foothill and mountain rangelands in the western United States. Livestock death due to Larkspur toxicity is attributed to norditerpenoid alkaloids. Diagnosing plant poisonings in livestock is often challenging. The objective of this study was to evaluate the use of three matrices; earwax, oral fluid, and nasal mucus, as noninvasive specimens to determine livestock exposure to Larkspurs. Reversed phase high performance liquid chromatography – high resolution mass spectrometry was used to analyze for norditerpene alkaloids, in all three matrices, in cattle administered a single dose of Larkspur. Earwax, oral fluid, and nasal mucus were collected over 6 days post-dosing. Methyllycaconitine (MLA) and deltaline concentrations in earwax ranged from 0.4 ± 0.1 to 0.2 ± 0.06 and 0.6 ± 0.5 to 0.11 ± 0.08 ng/mg, respectively. MLA and deltaline concentrations in oral fluid ranged from 0.08 ± 0.03 to 0.01 ± 0.002 ng/mg and 0.07 ± 0.03 ng/mg to not detected (ND), respectively. MLA and deltaline concentrations in nasal mucus ranged from 0.2 ± 0.13 to 0.03 ± 0.01 ng/mg and 0.2 ± 0.12 ng/mg to ND, respectively. The ability to detect differing norditerpene alkaloid chemotypes from two different Delphinium spp. was also possible in the three matrices. This study demonstrates the potential of earwax, oral fluid, and nasal mucus as noninvasive specimens for chemical analyses to aid in the diagnosis of livestock that may have been exposed to and poisoned by Larkspur plants.
-
The effect of alkaloid composition of Larkspur (Delphinium) species on the intoxication of Angus heifers1.
Journal of animal science, 2019Co-Authors: Benedict T. Green, Kevin D. Welch, Dale R. Gardner, James A. Pfister, Gary L. Bennett, Daniel CookAbstract:Cattle losses from Larkspur (Delphinium spp.) toxicity are a long-term challenge on the rangelands of western North America. In addition to animal factors that affect livestock poisonings, plant alkaloid composition (chemotype) affects the intoxication of cattle because some chemotypes are significantly more toxic. Differences in Larkspur chemotype toxicity are due to the ratios of N-(methylsuccinimido) anthranoyllycoctonine (MSAL)-type alkaloids to non-MSAL-type alkaloids and the concentrations of those alkaloids in the plant material. The objective of this study was to compare the responses of 6 Angus heifers to 6 chemotypes of Larkspur using a Latin square study design. These Angus heifers from the USDA-ARS, Meat Animal Research Center in Clay Center, NE, were chosen for this research because they are the most Larkspur-susceptible cattle observed to date. The 6 heifers were given an oral dose of dried ground Larkspur and tested for muscle weakness with an exercise test (i.e., walk time). The 6 chemotypes of Larkspur had non-MSAL to MSAL-type alkaloid ratios ranging from 1.4:1 to 6:1 and were administered at an oral dose of 7.5 mg/kg MSAL-type alkaloids BW. There was a treatment effect due to Larkspur chemotype (P < 0.0001), and period effects were not significant (P = 0.6). There were also significant correlations between the length of time walking on a dirt track at 5 to 6 km/h, and total alkaloid dose (r = -0.92, P = 0.0045) and alkaloid ratio (r = -0.81, P = 0.0258). Serum alkaloid concentrations at 24 h after dosing were representative of the relative abundance of the alkaloid in the plant material. Results from this work suggest that total alkaloid concentrations in combination with alkaloid ratios can be used together to accurately predict the plant risk component of Larkspur poisoning to grazing cattle. Animal factors such as cattle age, breed, and sex must also be considered to comprehensively manage Larkspur risk.
Dale R. Gardner - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
-
Analysis of rumen contents and ocular fluid for toxic alkaloids from goats and cows dosed Larkspur (Delphinium barbeyi), lupine (Lupinus leucophyllus), and death camas (Zigadenus paniculatus).
Toxicon : official journal of the International Society on Toxinology, 2020Co-Authors: Stephen T. Lee, Kevin D. Welch, Dale R. Gardner, Clinton A. Stonecipher, Daniel Cook, James A. PfisterAbstract:Abstract Larkspurs, lupines, and death camas can be acutely toxic to livestock and are serious poisonous plant problems in western North America. The toxicity of these plants depends on the composition and concentrations of the toxic alkaloids in the plants. In this study, goats and cows were dosed sub-lethal doses of Larkspur, lupine, and death camas. Rumen contents and ocular fluid samples were collected, and simple extraction, sample preparation, and analytical methods were developed for the detection of toxic alkaloids in the rumen contents and ocular fluid samples. Toxic alkaloids were detected in the rumen contents and ocular fluid samples from the goats and cows dosed Larkspur, lupine, and death camas. In addition, results from a case report where rumen contents were analyzed from a steer that was suspected to have died due to Larkspur are reported. This demonstrates the utility of the methods described for the diagnosis of acute plant poisonings.
-
Larkspur Poisoning of Cattle: Plant and Animal Factors that Influence Plant Toxicity
Rangelands, 2020Co-Authors: Benedict T. Green, Kevin D. Welch, Dale R. Gardner, Clinton A. Stonecipher, James A. Pfister, Daniel Cook, Stephen T. Lee, T. Zane Davis, Bryan L. StegelmeierAbstract:On the Ground • Toxic Larkspurs (Delphinium species) cause large economic losses from cattle deaths, increased management costs, and reduced utilization of pastures and rangelands. • Larkspur toxicity to cattle can vary by geographic location due to toxic alkaloid content. • Larkspur alkaloid chemistry can be used to predict plant toxicity. • Cattle breeds differ in their susceptibility to Larkspur poisoning. • As cattle age from yearlings to two-year olds, they become less susceptible to Larkspur. • Heifers are three times more likely to be poisoned at the same dose of Larkspur alkaloids than either bulls or steers, suggesting that they must be managed differently on rangelands where Larkspur is present.
-
Animal and plant factors which affect Larkspur toxicosis in cattle: Sex, age, breed, and plant chemotype.
Toxicon : official journal of the International Society on Toxinology, 2019Co-Authors: Benedict T. Green, Dale R. Gardner, Clinton A. Stonecipher, Daniel Cook, John W. Keele, Gary L. Bennett, James A. PfisterAbstract:Larkspur (Delphinium spp.) poisoning is a long-term problem for cattle grazing on rangelands of western North America. Recent research has shown that both plant and animal-based factors are critical in understanding and mitigating Larkspur poisoning in cattle. Non-toxicological factors including sex, age, cattle breed, and plant chemotype affect cattle responses to Larkspur. For example, Angus heifers are more susceptible to Larkspur intoxication than are steers or bulls. Young cattle appear to be more susceptible to Larkspur poisoning than mature animals. Beef breeds of cattle are more susceptible to Larkspur intoxication than dairy breeds. In addition to animal factors, plant alkaloid composition (chemotype) affects the potential toxicity for cattle because of differences in the ratios and concentrations of highly toxic N-(methylsuccinimido) anthranoyllycoctonine (MSAL)-type alkaloids compared to less lethal non-MSAL-type alkaloids. Animal- and plant-based factors can provide substantial information to inform livestock producers on management to reduce risk and cattle losses to various Larkspur species in western North America.
-
Evaluation of noninvasive specimens to diagnose livestock exposure to toxic Larkspur (Delphinium spp.).
Toxicon : official journal of the International Society on Toxinology, 2019Co-Authors: Clinton A. Stonecipher, Kevin D. Welch, Benedict T. Green, James A. Pfister, Daniel Cook, Stephen T. Lee, Dale R. GardnerAbstract:Abstract Larkspurs (Delphinium spp.) are native perennial plants that have a serious toxic potential to cattle on foothill and mountain rangelands in the western United States. Livestock death due to Larkspur toxicity is attributed to norditerpenoid alkaloids. Diagnosing plant poisonings in livestock is often challenging. The objective of this study was to evaluate the use of three matrices; earwax, oral fluid, and nasal mucus, as noninvasive specimens to determine livestock exposure to Larkspurs. Reversed phase high performance liquid chromatography – high resolution mass spectrometry was used to analyze for norditerpene alkaloids, in all three matrices, in cattle administered a single dose of Larkspur. Earwax, oral fluid, and nasal mucus were collected over 6 days post-dosing. Methyllycaconitine (MLA) and deltaline concentrations in earwax ranged from 0.4 ± 0.1 to 0.2 ± 0.06 and 0.6 ± 0.5 to 0.11 ± 0.08 ng/mg, respectively. MLA and deltaline concentrations in oral fluid ranged from 0.08 ± 0.03 to 0.01 ± 0.002 ng/mg and 0.07 ± 0.03 ng/mg to not detected (ND), respectively. MLA and deltaline concentrations in nasal mucus ranged from 0.2 ± 0.13 to 0.03 ± 0.01 ng/mg and 0.2 ± 0.12 ng/mg to ND, respectively. The ability to detect differing norditerpene alkaloid chemotypes from two different Delphinium spp. was also possible in the three matrices. This study demonstrates the potential of earwax, oral fluid, and nasal mucus as noninvasive specimens for chemical analyses to aid in the diagnosis of livestock that may have been exposed to and poisoned by Larkspur plants.
-
Sex-dependent differences for Larkspur (Delphinium barbeyi) toxicosis in yearling Angus cattle1.
Journal of animal science, 2019Co-Authors: Benedict T. Green, Kevin D. Welch, Dale R. Gardner, Clinton A. Stonecipher, James A. Pfister, Daniel Cook, T. Zane Davis, John W. Keele, Gary L. Bennett, Stephen T. LeeAbstract:Larkspur (Delphinium spp.) poisoning is a long-term problem for cattle grazing on rangelands of western North America. Results from preliminary experiments have suggested that differences in Larkspur toxicity may exist between heifers and bulls. The objective of this study was to compare the physiological responses of yearling Angus heifers, steers, and bulls with a standardized dose of Delphinium barbeyi and to test the hypothesis that the response is sex dependent. Clinical signs of intoxication, including muscle coordination and function, were measured 24 h after oral dosing with Larkspur by walking the cattle at a pace of 5 to 6 km h-1 for up to 40 min on an oval dirt track. Due to the experimental methods used, the variation in susceptibility to Larkspur was not quantifiable for walking times of 0 or 40 min or more. Larkspur susceptible animals that were not able to walk (0 min; 36% of the animals) or Larkspur resistant animals that walked the entire test period of 40 min (9% of the animals) resulted in censored or truncated data. The statistical methods (censReg and lmec) were used to adjust for data truncation or censoring. The heifers were only able to walk -8.9 ± 3.9 min (65.5% censored on the left) compared with 13.2 ± 3.7 min for bulls and 15.9 ± 2.7 min for steers. When heifers were compared with bulls and steers together, heifers walked 23.4 ± 4.5 min less (P < 0.0001). Serum alkaloid concentrations were measured immediately before walking, and deltaline concentrations averaged 266 ± 28, 131 ± 20, and 219 ± 28 ng mL-1 for all heifers, steers, and bulls, respectively, and serum methyllycaconitine concentrations averaged 660 ± 46, 397 ± 32, and 612 ± 34 ng mL-1 for all heifers, steers, and bulls, respectively. The relative risk of a zero walk time for yearling heifers is 330% that of yearling bulls (P = 0.0008). These results suggest that yearling Angus heifers are more susceptible to Larkspur intoxication and, when possible, heifers should be kept from grazing Larkspur-infested rangelands as a simple management tool to reduce the risk of fatal poisoning.
Michael H Ralphs - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
-
Conditioning Sheep to Graze Duncecap Larkspur (Delphinium occidentale)
Rangeland Ecology & Management, 2005Co-Authors: Michael H RalphsAbstract:Sheep are more resistant than cattle to Larkspur poisoning and thus may be used as a biological tool to graze Larkspur to reduce cattle poisoning. Sheep readily graze Larkspur in its mature stages, but if they are to be an effective management tool, they must graze it in the early growth stages before cattle enter the allotment. The objective of this study was to determine if sheep could be positively conditioned to graze duncecap Larkspur (Delphinium occidentale (S.Wats) S. Wats) early in its growth stages. Eighteen ewes were divided into 3 groups of 6 ewes each. During conditioning, group 1 was offered potted Larkspur plants then were gavaged with glucose, the second group was exposed to Larkspur plants together as a group (social facilitation), and the third group was an untreated control. In the preference test, the glucose group ate more duncecap Larkspur than the social facilitation and control groups. The glucose and control groups were taken to duncecap Larkspur-infested mountain rangeland to test the conditioning. In the field grazing trial, the glucose group consumed more Larkspur than the control group, but it occurred later in the grazing trial when Larkspur was in flower and after desirable forages had been consumed. High levels of diterpenoid alkaloids in Larkspur and other alternative palatable forages may have caused ewes to reject Larkspur at the beginning of the trial. The sheep were positively conditioned to graze Larkspur, but the amount consumed and the timing of consumption was not sufficient to prevent potential cattle poisoning.
-
individual plant control of tall Larkspur delphinium barbeyi with tebuthiuron
Weed Technology, 2004Co-Authors: Michael H Ralphs, Lee Woolsey, James E BownsAbstract:A replicated field trial was conducted to determine the effective rates of tebuthiuron for control of individual tall Larkspur plants in the mountains near Emery, UT, Cedar City, UT, and Yampa, CO. The size of Larkspur plants was measured, and tebuthiuron was applied to the base of each plant at 0.1, 0.21, and 0.5 g product/1,000 cm2 of foliar crown cover. Tebuthiuron at 0.21 g/ 1,000 cm2 rate controlled 62% of the plants. Tebuthiuron at 0.5 g/1,000 cm controlled 78% of the plants (2.5 g for an average-sized plant of 5,000 cm2). The high clay content of the soils at Emery or high organic matter content of soils at Cedar City or Yampa did not adversely affect efficacy. Nomenclature: Tebuthiuron; tall Larkspur, Delphinium barbeyi Huth #3 DELBA. Additional index words: Cattle poisoning, poisonous plant.
-
genetic variation within and among 22 accessions of three tall Larkspur species delphinium spp based on rapd markers
Biochemical Systematics and Ecology, 2002Co-Authors: Michael H Ralphs, Dale R. Gardner, Richard R C WangAbstract:Random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers were used to assess genetic diversity in three species of toxic Larkspurs (Delphinium spp). A total of 184 plants from 22 accessions in five western states were analyzed by 23 RAPD primers that amplified 188 reproducible bands. There were 144 polymorphic bands; 10 shared by Delphinium glaucum and Delphinium occidentale, eight shared by Delphinium barbeyi and D. glaucum, and 18 shared by D. occidentale and D. barbeyi. Thirteen bands were specific for D. occidentale, 18 for D. glaucum and 19 for D. barbeyi. There were 58 bands that were specific for individual accessions and 44 bands that were common to all three species. Some of the species-specific bands were cloned and tested in Southern hybridization. Based on the presence or absence of the 144 polymorhpic RAPD bands in individuals, a dendrogram was generated to assess the genetic similarity among the samples. The cophenetic values were 0.64 between D. occidentale and D. barbeyi, and 0.55 between the cluster of these two species and D. glaucum. These relationships are congruent with those based on morphological characters and support the contention that these are separate species. Understanding the genetic relationships among these three tall Larkspur species will provide basic knowledge useful in developing strategies to reduce livestock losses by these poisonous plants.
-
Predicting toxicity of tall Larkspur (Delphinium barbeyi): measurement of the variation in alkaloid concentration among plants and among years.
Journal of chemical ecology, 2002Co-Authors: Michael H Ralphs, Dale R. Gardner, J. A. Pfister, D. L. Turner, Eric ThackerAbstract:Tall Larkspur (Delphinium barbeyi) is the principal mountain Larkspur responsible for the majority of cattle deaths on mountain rangelands in western Colorado and central and southern Utah in the United States. Ten plants in each of two tall Larkspur populations in the mountains near Ferron and Salina, Utah, were marked, and single stalks were harvested periodically through the growing season for 4 yr. Toxic alkaloid concentration [alkaloids containing the N-(methylsuccimimido)-anthranilik ester group] was determined by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Individual Larkspur plants varied in alkaloid concentrations, especially in early growth (14–38 mg/g). As the concentration declined over the growing season, variation among plants also declined. There were yearly differences in alkaloid concentration among individual plants (P < 0.01) and populations (P < 0.001), even after accounting for differences in phenological growth between years. Variables such as precipitation, temperature, days since snow melt, growing degree days (sum of mean temperature each day from snow melt), and plant height and weight were all considered in a Mallows Cp multiple regression selection procedure to predict alkaloid concentration. The mixed model procedure in SAS adjusted the regression equation for locations and years. Growing degree days was the best single predictor of alkaloid levels: ln y = (3.581 − 0.00423 GDD), R2 = 0.85. Internal validation of this equation within individual years and locations from which the equation was developed, produced correlations between observed versus predicted values ranging from r = 0.73 to 0.93. External validations on nine other Larkspur populations produced correlations ranging from r = 0.76 to 0.99. This predictive equation can provide a tool for ranchers and land managers to make management decisions of when to graze cattle in Larkspur areas.
-
Larkspur poisoning: toxicology and alkaloid structure-activity relationships
Biochemical Systematics and Ecology, 2002Co-Authors: Kip E. Panter, Michael H Ralphs, Dale R. Gardner, Gary D. Manners, James A. Pfister, Bryan L. Stegelmeier, Stephen T. Lee, Lynn F. JamesAbstract:Abstract Systematic approaches to taxonomic classifications of the tall Larkspur spp. have been developed using traditional chemical methods to profile alkaloids, comparison of relative toxicity of individual alkaloids, plant morphology/taxonomy and molecular genetics. Using these methods (papers published in this series) toxicology of three distinct species of tall Larkspurs including Delphinium glaucum, Delphinium barbeyi and Delphinium occidentale is described. Tall Larkspurs (Delphinium spp.) continue to be the most serious cause of cattle losses on mountain rangelands in the western US. Over 40 norditerpenoid alkaloids have been reported in species of Larkspurs and toxicology data on 25 of these have been reported by the authors. These alkaloids can be classified into three general types based on their structural characteristics and toxicity: the N-(methylsuccinyl) anthranoyl lycoctonine (MSAL)-type, having high toxicity; the lycoctonine-type, with moderate toxicity; and the 7,8-methylenedioxylycoctonine (MDL)-type, of low toxicity. The structural importance of the methylsuccinimido anthranilic acid ester group at the C18 position is evident in the high toxicity of MSAL alkaloids, particularly methyllycaconitine (MLA), Nudicauline (NUD) and 14-deacetylnudicauline (14-DAN). Other structural aspects of these alkaloids such as the C14 functionality are also important, as demonstrated by the reduced toxicity of barbinine. MLA is the alkaloid of most importance in toxicity of Larkspurs on mountain rangelands because of its prevalence in most Larkspurs and high toxicity. While NUD and 14-DAN also possess high toxicity, they are relatively minor components in few Larkspur species (generally the plains and low Larkspurs), but when present at concentrations approaching 1 mg/g dry weight they contribute significantly to overall toxicity. Deltaline (DLT) is often found in high concentrations in many Larkspurs but because of low toxicity, its contribution to Larkspur poisoning in the field is relatively minor and it will probably not cause toxicosis in the absence of the MSAL-type alkaloids.
Daniel Cook - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
-
Analysis of rumen contents and ocular fluid for toxic alkaloids from goats and cows dosed Larkspur (Delphinium barbeyi), lupine (Lupinus leucophyllus), and death camas (Zigadenus paniculatus).
Toxicon : official journal of the International Society on Toxinology, 2020Co-Authors: Stephen T. Lee, Kevin D. Welch, Dale R. Gardner, Clinton A. Stonecipher, Daniel Cook, James A. PfisterAbstract:Abstract Larkspurs, lupines, and death camas can be acutely toxic to livestock and are serious poisonous plant problems in western North America. The toxicity of these plants depends on the composition and concentrations of the toxic alkaloids in the plants. In this study, goats and cows were dosed sub-lethal doses of Larkspur, lupine, and death camas. Rumen contents and ocular fluid samples were collected, and simple extraction, sample preparation, and analytical methods were developed for the detection of toxic alkaloids in the rumen contents and ocular fluid samples. Toxic alkaloids were detected in the rumen contents and ocular fluid samples from the goats and cows dosed Larkspur, lupine, and death camas. In addition, results from a case report where rumen contents were analyzed from a steer that was suspected to have died due to Larkspur are reported. This demonstrates the utility of the methods described for the diagnosis of acute plant poisonings.
-
Larkspur Poisoning of Cattle: Plant and Animal Factors that Influence Plant Toxicity
Rangelands, 2020Co-Authors: Benedict T. Green, Kevin D. Welch, Dale R. Gardner, Clinton A. Stonecipher, James A. Pfister, Daniel Cook, Stephen T. Lee, T. Zane Davis, Bryan L. StegelmeierAbstract:On the Ground • Toxic Larkspurs (Delphinium species) cause large economic losses from cattle deaths, increased management costs, and reduced utilization of pastures and rangelands. • Larkspur toxicity to cattle can vary by geographic location due to toxic alkaloid content. • Larkspur alkaloid chemistry can be used to predict plant toxicity. • Cattle breeds differ in their susceptibility to Larkspur poisoning. • As cattle age from yearlings to two-year olds, they become less susceptible to Larkspur. • Heifers are three times more likely to be poisoned at the same dose of Larkspur alkaloids than either bulls or steers, suggesting that they must be managed differently on rangelands where Larkspur is present.
-
Animal and plant factors which affect Larkspur toxicosis in cattle: Sex, age, breed, and plant chemotype.
Toxicon : official journal of the International Society on Toxinology, 2019Co-Authors: Benedict T. Green, Dale R. Gardner, Clinton A. Stonecipher, Daniel Cook, John W. Keele, Gary L. Bennett, James A. PfisterAbstract:Larkspur (Delphinium spp.) poisoning is a long-term problem for cattle grazing on rangelands of western North America. Recent research has shown that both plant and animal-based factors are critical in understanding and mitigating Larkspur poisoning in cattle. Non-toxicological factors including sex, age, cattle breed, and plant chemotype affect cattle responses to Larkspur. For example, Angus heifers are more susceptible to Larkspur intoxication than are steers or bulls. Young cattle appear to be more susceptible to Larkspur poisoning than mature animals. Beef breeds of cattle are more susceptible to Larkspur intoxication than dairy breeds. In addition to animal factors, plant alkaloid composition (chemotype) affects the potential toxicity for cattle because of differences in the ratios and concentrations of highly toxic N-(methylsuccinimido) anthranoyllycoctonine (MSAL)-type alkaloids compared to less lethal non-MSAL-type alkaloids. Animal- and plant-based factors can provide substantial information to inform livestock producers on management to reduce risk and cattle losses to various Larkspur species in western North America.
-
Evaluation of noninvasive specimens to diagnose livestock exposure to toxic Larkspur (Delphinium spp.).
Toxicon : official journal of the International Society on Toxinology, 2019Co-Authors: Clinton A. Stonecipher, Kevin D. Welch, Benedict T. Green, James A. Pfister, Daniel Cook, Stephen T. Lee, Dale R. GardnerAbstract:Abstract Larkspurs (Delphinium spp.) are native perennial plants that have a serious toxic potential to cattle on foothill and mountain rangelands in the western United States. Livestock death due to Larkspur toxicity is attributed to norditerpenoid alkaloids. Diagnosing plant poisonings in livestock is often challenging. The objective of this study was to evaluate the use of three matrices; earwax, oral fluid, and nasal mucus, as noninvasive specimens to determine livestock exposure to Larkspurs. Reversed phase high performance liquid chromatography – high resolution mass spectrometry was used to analyze for norditerpene alkaloids, in all three matrices, in cattle administered a single dose of Larkspur. Earwax, oral fluid, and nasal mucus were collected over 6 days post-dosing. Methyllycaconitine (MLA) and deltaline concentrations in earwax ranged from 0.4 ± 0.1 to 0.2 ± 0.06 and 0.6 ± 0.5 to 0.11 ± 0.08 ng/mg, respectively. MLA and deltaline concentrations in oral fluid ranged from 0.08 ± 0.03 to 0.01 ± 0.002 ng/mg and 0.07 ± 0.03 ng/mg to not detected (ND), respectively. MLA and deltaline concentrations in nasal mucus ranged from 0.2 ± 0.13 to 0.03 ± 0.01 ng/mg and 0.2 ± 0.12 ng/mg to ND, respectively. The ability to detect differing norditerpene alkaloid chemotypes from two different Delphinium spp. was also possible in the three matrices. This study demonstrates the potential of earwax, oral fluid, and nasal mucus as noninvasive specimens for chemical analyses to aid in the diagnosis of livestock that may have been exposed to and poisoned by Larkspur plants.
-
Sex-dependent differences for Larkspur (Delphinium barbeyi) toxicosis in yearling Angus cattle1.
Journal of animal science, 2019Co-Authors: Benedict T. Green, Kevin D. Welch, Dale R. Gardner, Clinton A. Stonecipher, James A. Pfister, Daniel Cook, T. Zane Davis, John W. Keele, Gary L. Bennett, Stephen T. LeeAbstract:Larkspur (Delphinium spp.) poisoning is a long-term problem for cattle grazing on rangelands of western North America. Results from preliminary experiments have suggested that differences in Larkspur toxicity may exist between heifers and bulls. The objective of this study was to compare the physiological responses of yearling Angus heifers, steers, and bulls with a standardized dose of Delphinium barbeyi and to test the hypothesis that the response is sex dependent. Clinical signs of intoxication, including muscle coordination and function, were measured 24 h after oral dosing with Larkspur by walking the cattle at a pace of 5 to 6 km h-1 for up to 40 min on an oval dirt track. Due to the experimental methods used, the variation in susceptibility to Larkspur was not quantifiable for walking times of 0 or 40 min or more. Larkspur susceptible animals that were not able to walk (0 min; 36% of the animals) or Larkspur resistant animals that walked the entire test period of 40 min (9% of the animals) resulted in censored or truncated data. The statistical methods (censReg and lmec) were used to adjust for data truncation or censoring. The heifers were only able to walk -8.9 ± 3.9 min (65.5% censored on the left) compared with 13.2 ± 3.7 min for bulls and 15.9 ± 2.7 min for steers. When heifers were compared with bulls and steers together, heifers walked 23.4 ± 4.5 min less (P < 0.0001). Serum alkaloid concentrations were measured immediately before walking, and deltaline concentrations averaged 266 ± 28, 131 ± 20, and 219 ± 28 ng mL-1 for all heifers, steers, and bulls, respectively, and serum methyllycaconitine concentrations averaged 660 ± 46, 397 ± 32, and 612 ± 34 ng mL-1 for all heifers, steers, and bulls, respectively. The relative risk of a zero walk time for yearling heifers is 330% that of yearling bulls (P = 0.0008). These results suggest that yearling Angus heifers are more susceptible to Larkspur intoxication and, when possible, heifers should be kept from grazing Larkspur-infested rangelands as a simple management tool to reduce the risk of fatal poisoning.
Benedict T. Green - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
-
Larkspur Poisoning of Cattle: Plant and Animal Factors that Influence Plant Toxicity
Rangelands, 2020Co-Authors: Benedict T. Green, Kevin D. Welch, Dale R. Gardner, Clinton A. Stonecipher, James A. Pfister, Daniel Cook, Stephen T. Lee, T. Zane Davis, Bryan L. StegelmeierAbstract:On the Ground • Toxic Larkspurs (Delphinium species) cause large economic losses from cattle deaths, increased management costs, and reduced utilization of pastures and rangelands. • Larkspur toxicity to cattle can vary by geographic location due to toxic alkaloid content. • Larkspur alkaloid chemistry can be used to predict plant toxicity. • Cattle breeds differ in their susceptibility to Larkspur poisoning. • As cattle age from yearlings to two-year olds, they become less susceptible to Larkspur. • Heifers are three times more likely to be poisoned at the same dose of Larkspur alkaloids than either bulls or steers, suggesting that they must be managed differently on rangelands where Larkspur is present.
-
Animal and plant factors which affect Larkspur toxicosis in cattle: Sex, age, breed, and plant chemotype.
Toxicon : official journal of the International Society on Toxinology, 2019Co-Authors: Benedict T. Green, Dale R. Gardner, Clinton A. Stonecipher, Daniel Cook, John W. Keele, Gary L. Bennett, James A. PfisterAbstract:Larkspur (Delphinium spp.) poisoning is a long-term problem for cattle grazing on rangelands of western North America. Recent research has shown that both plant and animal-based factors are critical in understanding and mitigating Larkspur poisoning in cattle. Non-toxicological factors including sex, age, cattle breed, and plant chemotype affect cattle responses to Larkspur. For example, Angus heifers are more susceptible to Larkspur intoxication than are steers or bulls. Young cattle appear to be more susceptible to Larkspur poisoning than mature animals. Beef breeds of cattle are more susceptible to Larkspur intoxication than dairy breeds. In addition to animal factors, plant alkaloid composition (chemotype) affects the potential toxicity for cattle because of differences in the ratios and concentrations of highly toxic N-(methylsuccinimido) anthranoyllycoctonine (MSAL)-type alkaloids compared to less lethal non-MSAL-type alkaloids. Animal- and plant-based factors can provide substantial information to inform livestock producers on management to reduce risk and cattle losses to various Larkspur species in western North America.
-
Evaluation of noninvasive specimens to diagnose livestock exposure to toxic Larkspur (Delphinium spp.).
Toxicon : official journal of the International Society on Toxinology, 2019Co-Authors: Clinton A. Stonecipher, Kevin D. Welch, Benedict T. Green, James A. Pfister, Daniel Cook, Stephen T. Lee, Dale R. GardnerAbstract:Abstract Larkspurs (Delphinium spp.) are native perennial plants that have a serious toxic potential to cattle on foothill and mountain rangelands in the western United States. Livestock death due to Larkspur toxicity is attributed to norditerpenoid alkaloids. Diagnosing plant poisonings in livestock is often challenging. The objective of this study was to evaluate the use of three matrices; earwax, oral fluid, and nasal mucus, as noninvasive specimens to determine livestock exposure to Larkspurs. Reversed phase high performance liquid chromatography – high resolution mass spectrometry was used to analyze for norditerpene alkaloids, in all three matrices, in cattle administered a single dose of Larkspur. Earwax, oral fluid, and nasal mucus were collected over 6 days post-dosing. Methyllycaconitine (MLA) and deltaline concentrations in earwax ranged from 0.4 ± 0.1 to 0.2 ± 0.06 and 0.6 ± 0.5 to 0.11 ± 0.08 ng/mg, respectively. MLA and deltaline concentrations in oral fluid ranged from 0.08 ± 0.03 to 0.01 ± 0.002 ng/mg and 0.07 ± 0.03 ng/mg to not detected (ND), respectively. MLA and deltaline concentrations in nasal mucus ranged from 0.2 ± 0.13 to 0.03 ± 0.01 ng/mg and 0.2 ± 0.12 ng/mg to ND, respectively. The ability to detect differing norditerpene alkaloid chemotypes from two different Delphinium spp. was also possible in the three matrices. This study demonstrates the potential of earwax, oral fluid, and nasal mucus as noninvasive specimens for chemical analyses to aid in the diagnosis of livestock that may have been exposed to and poisoned by Larkspur plants.
-
Sex-dependent differences for Larkspur (Delphinium barbeyi) toxicosis in yearling Angus cattle1.
Journal of animal science, 2019Co-Authors: Benedict T. Green, Kevin D. Welch, Dale R. Gardner, Clinton A. Stonecipher, James A. Pfister, Daniel Cook, T. Zane Davis, John W. Keele, Gary L. Bennett, Stephen T. LeeAbstract:Larkspur (Delphinium spp.) poisoning is a long-term problem for cattle grazing on rangelands of western North America. Results from preliminary experiments have suggested that differences in Larkspur toxicity may exist between heifers and bulls. The objective of this study was to compare the physiological responses of yearling Angus heifers, steers, and bulls with a standardized dose of Delphinium barbeyi and to test the hypothesis that the response is sex dependent. Clinical signs of intoxication, including muscle coordination and function, were measured 24 h after oral dosing with Larkspur by walking the cattle at a pace of 5 to 6 km h-1 for up to 40 min on an oval dirt track. Due to the experimental methods used, the variation in susceptibility to Larkspur was not quantifiable for walking times of 0 or 40 min or more. Larkspur susceptible animals that were not able to walk (0 min; 36% of the animals) or Larkspur resistant animals that walked the entire test period of 40 min (9% of the animals) resulted in censored or truncated data. The statistical methods (censReg and lmec) were used to adjust for data truncation or censoring. The heifers were only able to walk -8.9 ± 3.9 min (65.5% censored on the left) compared with 13.2 ± 3.7 min for bulls and 15.9 ± 2.7 min for steers. When heifers were compared with bulls and steers together, heifers walked 23.4 ± 4.5 min less (P < 0.0001). Serum alkaloid concentrations were measured immediately before walking, and deltaline concentrations averaged 266 ± 28, 131 ± 20, and 219 ± 28 ng mL-1 for all heifers, steers, and bulls, respectively, and serum methyllycaconitine concentrations averaged 660 ± 46, 397 ± 32, and 612 ± 34 ng mL-1 for all heifers, steers, and bulls, respectively. The relative risk of a zero walk time for yearling heifers is 330% that of yearling bulls (P = 0.0008). These results suggest that yearling Angus heifers are more susceptible to Larkspur intoxication and, when possible, heifers should be kept from grazing Larkspur-infested rangelands as a simple management tool to reduce the risk of fatal poisoning.
-
The effect of alkaloid composition of Larkspur (Delphinium) species on the intoxication of Angus heifers1.
Journal of animal science, 2019Co-Authors: Benedict T. Green, Kevin D. Welch, Dale R. Gardner, James A. Pfister, Gary L. Bennett, Daniel CookAbstract:Cattle losses from Larkspur (Delphinium spp.) toxicity are a long-term challenge on the rangelands of western North America. In addition to animal factors that affect livestock poisonings, plant alkaloid composition (chemotype) affects the intoxication of cattle because some chemotypes are significantly more toxic. Differences in Larkspur chemotype toxicity are due to the ratios of N-(methylsuccinimido) anthranoyllycoctonine (MSAL)-type alkaloids to non-MSAL-type alkaloids and the concentrations of those alkaloids in the plant material. The objective of this study was to compare the responses of 6 Angus heifers to 6 chemotypes of Larkspur using a Latin square study design. These Angus heifers from the USDA-ARS, Meat Animal Research Center in Clay Center, NE, were chosen for this research because they are the most Larkspur-susceptible cattle observed to date. The 6 heifers were given an oral dose of dried ground Larkspur and tested for muscle weakness with an exercise test (i.e., walk time). The 6 chemotypes of Larkspur had non-MSAL to MSAL-type alkaloid ratios ranging from 1.4:1 to 6:1 and were administered at an oral dose of 7.5 mg/kg MSAL-type alkaloids BW. There was a treatment effect due to Larkspur chemotype (P < 0.0001), and period effects were not significant (P = 0.6). There were also significant correlations between the length of time walking on a dirt track at 5 to 6 km/h, and total alkaloid dose (r = -0.92, P = 0.0045) and alkaloid ratio (r = -0.81, P = 0.0258). Serum alkaloid concentrations at 24 h after dosing were representative of the relative abundance of the alkaloid in the plant material. Results from this work suggest that total alkaloid concentrations in combination with alkaloid ratios can be used together to accurately predict the plant risk component of Larkspur poisoning to grazing cattle. Animal factors such as cattle age, breed, and sex must also be considered to comprehensively manage Larkspur risk.
