preprints.org > biology and life sciences > animal science, veterinary science and zoology > doi: 10.20944/preprints202307.0207.v1

Preprint Article Version 1 Preserved in Portico This version is not peer-reviewed

Version 1 : Received: 4 July 2023 / Approved: 4 July 2023 / Online: 4 July 2023 (11:16:56 CEST)

As most prominent plant-associated disease, photosensitization in large herbivores provides a substantial data base to evaluate the conditions under which animals are concerned. The purpose of this meta study was to investigate whether the level of feed plant diversity and feed choice influence the incidence of photosensitization. Case reports from 1900 to 2022 served as database. 113 publications described 178 cases of altogether 12 animal species, most of them being farm animals. 73.6% of the cases originated from three continents: South America, Australia and North-America. Of the 40 phototoxic agents, herbs represented the majority (63.6%). Brachiaria, Froelichia and other four genus were associated in almost 50% of the cases. Usually, animals received feed both of normal quality and in fresh state. Secondary photosensitization was most frequent only when associated with poor feed quality. If the animals had had access to high-diversity feed instead of low-diversity feed, the incidence was 27.5% smaller. If the animals had the choice between various kind of feed, the incidence was even reduced by 56.1%. Horses could select the least, however, suffered mainly from primary photosensitization. We conclude that farmers may prevent photosensitization in husbandry animals by allowing both more feed choice and feed diversity.

photosensitization; feed diversity; feed selection; biodiversity; phototoxic; feed quality; livestock

Biology and Life Sciences, Animal Science, Veterinary Science and Zoology

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