Evaluation of the Seasonal and Annual Abortifacient Risk of Western Juniper Trees on Oregon Rangelands

Abstract

On the Ground • Western juniper trees can cause late term abortions in cattle, similar to ponderosa pine trees. • Results from this study demonstrate that there is no difference in the labdane acid (the abortifacien tcompounds) content of western juniper trees throughout the year, or from year to year. • Consequently the abortifacient risk of western juniper trees should not vary throughout the year, or from year to year. • Producers who winter cattle in rangelands with western juniper trees should take similar precautions to prevent late term abortions as they would with ponderosa pine trees.