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

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 abortifacient compounds) 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.