Toxicological Factors
Molds resulting from poor feed storage can cause the production of toxins, or mycotoxins, that can lead to reproductive problems and failure. Aspergillus, Fusarium and Penicillium are the most common toxins causing problems in stored feeds. In addition, there are molds and endophytes in forages that can also cause problems. Fescue toxicosis from fungal-infected tall fescue produce toxins such as ergot alkaloids, primarily erovaline, that can delay onset of puberty, impair luteal function, decrease milk production or fetal birth weights and cause prolonged gestations. Gossypol toxicosis follows consumption of a naturally occurring plant compound found in pigment glands of seeds, roots and leaves of cotton plants. It is mostly a problem when producers feed whole cottonseed and causes delayed puberty in young animals due to decreased growth. It can also cause problems in sperm production in males.
There are some noxious forages and weeds that can affect embryo survival and fetal development. Lupins in the western United States and hemlocks, which are found everywhere, can cause defects such as cleft palates. Poisoning from locoweed, found in the West, usually results in skeletal defects and heart failure in the fetus. Many plants, such as soybeans, subterranean clovers and alfalfa, produce naturally estrogenic compounds called phytoestrogens that can reduce fertility in animals ingesting them. These compounds have been reported to cause weak or prolonged estrus, lack of estrus, irregular estrous cycle lengths, cystic ovaries and abortion.
Keywords: Molds, toxicity, reproduction, milk, sperm
For additional factors impacting reproduction in the goat please visit:
http://www.extension.org/pages/19373/goat-reproduction-reproductive-failure
