Natural toxins affecting ruminants in northern Australia
| Project start date: | 01 July 2002 |
| Project end date: | 31 October 2007 |
| Publication date: | 31 October 2007 |
| Project status: | Completed |
| Livestock species: | Sheep, Goat, Lamb, Grassfed cattle, Grainfed cattle |
Summary
Samples of 70 plant species were collected and analysed for pyrrolizidine alkaloids, indospicine and ptaquiloside. A risk analysis was conducted, considering plant and animal factors that influence exposure and the effects of each toxin on health and trade.
A quantitative assessment of the risk of detecting residues in cattle carcasses was conducted by Monte Carlo simulation modelling. The risk analysis concluded that the overall risk to human health of residues from most of the toxins is low, but there is some risk to trade.
