Effects of polybrominated biphenyls on health and performance of pregnant Holstein heifers.

The toxicity of a commercial blend of polybrominated biphenyls was determined in 24 pregnant Holstein heifers that were allotted randomly to one of four experimental groups given 0, .25, 250, or 25,000 mg/day of fire-Master BP-6. The polybrominated biphenyls were mixed with finely ground corn and given by bolus for 60 days or until the animal became moribund. Average body weight of heifers at onset of experiment was 381 kg. No clinical signs of toxicosis were evident in heifers fed 0, .25 or 250 mg/day. Toxicosis was induced in heifers fed 25,000 mg/day resulting in reduced dry matter intake, body weight, heart rate, and respiration rate. Clinical signs were anorexia, emaciation, dehydration, excessive lacrimation and salivation, diarrhea, depression, and abortion or fetal death. All heifers fed 25,000 mg/day became moribund within 33 to 66 days.