Photosensitizing Effects of Cymopterus watsonii and Cymopterus longipes in Chickens and Turkey Poults

Abstract

Two-week-old straight-run white broiler chicks and 2-week-old straight-run white turkey poults were fed seed or whole plants Cymopterus watsonii or seed of Cymopterus longipes at 0.4, 0.8, and 1.6% of body weight, and then placed in sunlight for 5 hours each day for 7 days. All plant material produced moderate to severe photosensitivity in chicks. Toxic signs included photophobia; red discoloration of beak, comb, and feet; loss of feathers in the periorbital area; dried serous fluid on comb and edge of beak; keratoconjunctivitis; and multiple lesions on feet and legs. Turkey poults showed a syndrome similar to that of chicks. Mortality was particularly high in turkeys fed C. longipes seed. Toxic signs in turkeys 6 weeks after treatment included tremors in the legs; upturning and shortening of the upper beak; and shortening disfigurement, and gangrene of the toes. Two phototoxic furocoumarins, oxypeucedanin and isoimperitorin, were isolated from C. longipes seed. Either compound, administered orally, produced photosensitivity in 2-week-old chicks.

The pathology of the avian integument: A review

“…In chickens the comb may slough. Chronic lesions consist of shortening and deformity of the beak, contracture and deformities of the eyelids such as adhesions between the lids or eyeball, and deviation or loss of toes (Van Kampen et al, 1969;Egyed et al, 1975a, b;Egyed and Williams, 1977). The chronic effects are said to be due to vascular lesions induced during the acute phase (Van Kampen et al, 1969) and chronic fibrosis, and are more severe in soft-billed waterfowl than the hard-beaked gallinaceous birds.…”

Necrotic Dermatitis in Waterfowl Associated With Consumption of Perennial Rye Grass (Lolium perenne)

“…Although the general health of waterfowl was reported to be minimally affected, 22,23 ingestion of C longipes can cause high mortality in turkey poults. 24 Photosensitization resulting from consumption of St. John's Wort has also been reported in waterfowl. 25 Although photosensitivity induced by perennial rye grass was previously reported in other species, the authors are unaware of any report that involves waterfowl.…”

Parsley‐induced photosensitivity in ostriches and ducks

“…DISCUSSION Some of the clinical signs observed in the ostriches resemble those described in field or experimental cases of photosensitisation in avian species. Blepharo-conjunctivitis, erythema of the eyelids and bald areas of the face and body, and the later appearance of dark crusts on the affected areas have been reported in ducks (Egyed et al, 1975a;Perelman et al, 1986), chickens (Perelman et a/., 1986), and geese (Shlosberg et al, 1974;Egyed et al, 1975b) fed on Ammi majus {bishiys • weed) and in chicks (Coburn and Binns, 1968;Egyed and Coburn, 1977) and turkey poults (Egyed and Coburn, 1977) fed on Cymopterus watsonii (spring parsley) and C. longipes.…”

“…Photosensitisation in animals has been reported under field or experimental conditions after the ingestion of different members of the carrot family (Umbelliferae) (Coburn and Binns, 1968;Egyed et al, 1975a,b;Egyed and Coburn, 1977;Ross et al, 1986). Parsley (Petroselinum sativum) can cause contact photodermatitis in humans (Ross et al, 1986).…”