Botha, C.J. (Christoffel Jacobus)Venter, ElnaUniversity of Pretoria. Faculty of Veterinary Science. Dept. of Paraclinical Sciences. Section Pharmacology and Toxicology2009-02-272009-02-272002Botha, CJ & Venter, E 2002, 'Plants poisonous to livestock Southern Africa (CD-ROM)' University of Pretoria, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Dept. of Paraclinical Sciences, Section Pharmacology and Toxicology, Pretoria, South Africa.http://hdl.handle.net/2263/9082Colour photos. Final web-ready size: JPEG. Photo 1: 17.5 kb, 180 ppi; Photo 2: 7.88 kb, 72 ppi; Photo 3: 53.3 kb, 180 ppi. Original TIFF file housed at the Dept. of Paraclinical Sciences, Section Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Pretoria.DISTRIBUTION: Occurs in a wide range of dry habitats – plains, depressions and brackish soil. Very drought resistant.BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION: General: A shrublet, which resembles a dome when browsed, like a large cauliflower, but it loses this appearance when it is not browsed. When browsed, the branches sometimes end in sharp points. Young shoots are densely hairy. Leaves:Small tubercular leaves are compressed along the stems. The colour varies according to the time of year and the locality where it is found. Flowers: The small membranous flowers are borne in groups at the ends of short twigs. Pale pink at first, later turning yellow. September - April. Fruit: The small fruit contains a single, flat, winged seed.TOXIC PRINCIPLE: The active principle is not known. It is suspected that it inhibits foetal hypothalamic releasing factors, which regulate secretion of adenohypophyseal hormones causing an imbalance of the hormones involved in the birth process.SYNDROMES: Afflictions of reproductive system or foetus. Grootlamsiekte.SYSTEMS AFFECTED: Urogenital system.CLINICAL SIGNS: Ewe: • Poorly developed udder - non-lactating or little milk • Enlarged abdomen - in outspoken cases pregnancy extended from normal 5 months to as much as 7 months Thus dystocia common. • Ovaries inactive - no follicular activity • Foetal membranes and amniotic fluid olive green Lamb: • Lethargic and weak. High neonatal mortality. • Post maturity • Birth weight up to 12 kg • Pelt of Karakul too long - no curl • Overgrown hooves • Erupted incisors.NECROPSY: Adreno-hypophyseal atrophy. Generalised olive-green pigmentation. Polyfollicular ovaries and female genitalia increased in size. Mild testicular hypoplasia.TREATMENT: • Oxytocin - effective up to 170 days; Oestrogen; PGF2a• Caesarean section - consider cost-effectiveness Control and evasion: • Avoid badly infested veld - especially during last half of pregnancy • Supplement feeding.©University of Pretoria. Dept. of Paraclinical Sciences, Section Pharmacology and Toxicology (Original and digital). Provided for educational purposes only. It may not be downloaded, reproduced or distributed in any format without written permission of the original copyright holder. Any attempt to circumvent the access controls placed on this file is a violation of copyright laws and is subject to criminal prosecution. Please contact the collection administrator for copyright issues.Plant poisoningToxicologyPlant poisoning in animalsPoisonous plantsGrootlamsiekteReproductive systemHormonesPoisonous plants -- Toxicology -- Africa, SouthernVeterinary toxicologyStill Image