Effects of xenobiotics and phytotoxins on reproduction in food animals.

Abstract

As man-made chemicals (anthropogenic) are increasing in number and amount of use, it is not uncommon for farmers, ranchers, consultants, or veterinarians to suspect a xenobiotic (strange or foreign substance) as the cause of reproductive failures. In this article, the authors discuss toxicants that have been shown to affect reproduction, with emphasis on food-producing animals and fowl. The discussion is brief, and written to provide a resource for clinicians, students, and scientists by focusing on toxicant-induced reproductive dysfunction relevant to the toxicant, source, clinical effects, and livestock species known or suspected to be affected.