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Why is avocado toxic?

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Why is avocado toxic?

Postby Kathleen » Tue Oct 13, 2009 9:19 pm

I was wondering why avocado is toxic to birds and did a little reading on the subject.

Avocados are toxic to birds and other animals because of a fungicidal toxin called Persin, similar to a fatty acid and present in the bark, twigs, leaves, skin and pit.

Image

Apparently some birds have survived after eating avocado, but definitely not worth the risk!

The side effects in birds include increased heart rate, myocardial tissue damage, labored breathing, disordered plumage, unrest, weakness, and apathy. High doses cause acute respiratory syndrome (asphyxia), with death approximately 12 to 24 hours after consumption.

Don't feed avocado to any of your pets!!


Sources:
http://www.goodstuffbirdfood.com/?p=80
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Persin
Kathleen
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Re: Why is avocado toxic?

Postby MandyG » Wed Oct 14, 2009 11:34 am

Good information! I really enjoy posts like this :D.
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Re: Why is avocado toxic?

Postby Kathleen » Thu Oct 15, 2009 6:20 pm

Thanks. For humans, avocado is generally okay. In most bird stores I've been to, people are warned about avocado, but I always wondered what was so bad about it. It's avocado's defense mechanism against fungi. It's great for avocado plants, bad for fungi and some other animals who eat it. :?
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Re: Why is avocado toxic?

Postby Harleys_Dad » Mon Nov 16, 2009 2:54 pm

Wow! I never knew the real reason. And for humans avocad is high in fat and cholesterol? but it's good fat and cholesterol?
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