Toxic Effects of Milkweeds (Asclepias) in Sheep and Chickens

Abstract

This study describes the toxic effects of several Asclepias species in sheep and chickens. Clinical signs, electrocardiographic changes, rectal temperature, and respiration rate were monitored in sheep. Clinical signs, body weight, and feed consumption were recorded in chickens. Gross and histopathological examinations were conducted in both chickens and sheep. The results obtained further characterize the toxic effects and clinical syndromes produced by Asclepias especially several of the less well studied species. Furthermore, this study illustrates that chickens can sehe as animal models in screening livestock toxicants.