Which plant genus is associated with abortion in livestock?

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Multiple Choice

Which plant genus is associated with abortion in livestock?

Explanation:
Locoweed exposure in grazing livestock is a classic cause of abortion. Astragalus, a principal locoweed genus, contains the toxin swainsonine, which disrupts normal glycoprotein processing and cellular function. In pregnant animals, this disruption can lead to fetal loss and abortion, and it can also contribute to reproductive inefficiency overall. While other plants listed can cause various toxic effects in livestock, they are not the well-known source of abortion linked to locoism, making Astragalus the best answer in the context of reproductive toxicities from forage.

Locoweed exposure in grazing livestock is a classic cause of abortion. Astragalus, a principal locoweed genus, contains the toxin swainsonine, which disrupts normal glycoprotein processing and cellular function. In pregnant animals, this disruption can lead to fetal loss and abortion, and it can also contribute to reproductive inefficiency overall. While other plants listed can cause various toxic effects in livestock, they are not the well-known source of abortion linked to locoism, making Astragalus the best answer in the context of reproductive toxicities from forage.

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