Abstract :
The common military explosives 2-methyl-1,3,5-trinitrobenzene (TNT), 1,3,5-
trinitroperhydro-1,3,5-triazine (RDX) and 1,3,5,7-tetranitro-1,3,5,7-tetrazocane (HMX) are
distributed in many military training areas, and are thus encountered by grazing animals.
The aim of this study was to examine small ruminant’s intake of forage contaminated
with explosives. An indoor, experimental setup was used to determine if contamination
of forage by these compounds affected intake by sheep. The results clearly demonstrate
that contamination by any of the three explosives reduced forage intake in sheep; in order
of increasing avoidance: RDX < TNT < HMX. The results are discussed in a risk assessment
context.
