Which plant is known to cause aplastic anemia in cattle?

• A. Alfalfa Hay
• B. Kentucky Bluegrass
• C. Bracken Fern Toxicity (Pteridium Sp.)
• D. Oats

Answer: (C)

Aplastic anemia in cattle arises when something damages the bone marrow's ability to produce blood cells, leading to pale mucous membranes from anemia, increased bleeding, and susceptibility to infections. Bracken ferns (Pteridium species) are classically linked to this condition because they contain ptaquiloside, a toxin that damages hematopoietic cells in the bone marrow and suppresses production of red cells, white cells, and platelets. Ingestion of Bracken, whether grazing or in contaminated hay, can trigger this marrow suppression, which is why this plant is the best-known cause of aplastic anemia in cattle. Other common forages like alfalfa hay, Kentucky bluegrass, or oats aren’t associated with aplastic anemia in cattle, though they can cause other problems.