The effect of western juniper on the estrous cycle in beef cattle
- Publication date
- Publisher
- 'Elsevier BV'
Abstract
Numerous evergreen trees and shrubs contain labdane acids, including isocupressic acid, which can cause
late-term abortions in cattle. Recent research has shown that the bark from western juniper trees can
also cause late-term abortions in cattle. Additionally, ranchers have observed that cattle in western juniper-infested
rangelands tend to have decreased conception rates. The objective of this study was to determine
if western juniper alters the estrous cycle of cattle. Fourteen heifers (10 treated and 4 control) were monitored
for 74 days for signs of normal estrous behavior, with a 21 day feeding trial with western juniper
bark from days 28-48, after which the cattle were bred naturally with a bull. The cattle were checked
for pregnancy 30 days after all cattle had been bred. The data from this study indicate that exposure to
western juniper bark does not affect normal estrus, estrous cycle or conception rates of cattle.Keywords: Cattle, Isocupressic acid, Estrus, Abortion, Western juniper, Estrous cycl