PlantFunBroad bean Toxic?
Contains pyrimidine alkaloid glucosides (vicin, convicin) that are only partially destroyed by cooking, releasing toxic aglycones in the digestive tract.
Horses, cattle and pigs are particularly sensitive; high dietary inclusion can cause growth retardation, organ damage or even death.
Strict feed inclusion limits apply: max 7% for cows, 5-10% for pregnant pigs, 10-15% for lactating pigs.
FAQ
Is Broad bean toxic to Humans?
No specific symptom data available from the source; may cause favism (hemolytic anemia) in genetically susceptible individuals (common clinical knowledge) (Low)
Is Broad bean toxic to Cats?
No specific cat toxicity/symptom data available from the source (Non-toxic)
Is Broad bean toxic to Dogs?
No specific dog toxicity/symptom data available from the source (Non-toxic)
Is Broad bean toxic to Horses?
Dermatitis, conjunctivitis, vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia, severe liver degeneration with colic, depression, potential death in severe cases (High)
Toxicity Details
No specific symptom data available from the source; may cause favism (hemolytic anemia) in genetically susceptible individuals (common clinical knowledge)
No specific cat toxicity/symptom data available from the source
No specific dog toxicity/symptom data available from the source
Dermatitis, conjunctivitis, vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia, severe liver degeneration with colic, depression, potential death in severe cases
Toxicity Snapshot
First Aid & Prevention
First 30 Minutes
- • If recent ingestion occurred, induce vomiting (for conscious, non-convulsing animals) or administer activated charcoal to reduce toxin absorption.
- • Rinse affected skin with plenty of clean water if dermatitis develops from contact.
- • Flush exposed eyes with sterile saline if conjunctivitis occurs after exposure.
Contact Vet Immediately
- • Horses, cattle or pigs are suspected to have ingested large quantities of Vicia faba.
- • Symptoms including colic, depression, anorexia, diarrhea or flatulence appear after exposure.
- • Feed inclusion rates of Vicia faba exceed recommended limits for livestock species.
Prevention
- • Adhere to strict feed inclusion limits: max 7% for cows, 5-10% for pregnant pigs, 10-15% for lactating pigs.
- • Do not feed raw whole plant to pigs, only use processed beans for pig feed.
- • Avoid feeding diets with more than 25% Vicia faba inclusion to any livestock species.
Treatment & Prognosis
- • Perform decontamination (gastric lavage, activated charcoal administration) for recent ingestion cases.
- • Provide symptomatic and supportive care: fluid therapy, pain management for colic, nutritional support for growth retardation.
- • Monitor liver function, red blood cell status and glutathione levels in affected animals.
Professional Toxicology
• Pyrimidine alkaloid glucosides (vicin, convicin) in the plant are partially resistant to cooking.
• Bacterial β-glycosidases in the digestive tract release toxic aglycones divicin and isouramil from the glucosides.
• These aglycones oxidize SH-groups of enzymes, cell membrane components and glutathione, leading to red blood cell and organ damage.
Information from CliniTox veterinary text.
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Data Sources
This information is for reference only and does not constitute medical advice. If ingestion or poisoning is suspected, seek medical or veterinary attention immediately.