What compound has been known to cause crippling skeletal damage to cattle through contaminated vegetation?

Fluorides are the compounds that have been associated with causing significant skeletal damage in cattle when they are ingested through contaminated vegetation. When animals consume vegetation that is contaminated with high levels of fluoride, it can lead to a condition known as fluorosis. This condition affects the bones and teeth, leading to painful skeletal deformities and weakened structures.

Fluoride, primarily found in certain industrial waste products, can accumulate in soil and plants, particularly in areas near phosphate-mining operations or industries that release fluoride into the environment. Over time, this accumulation can exert a toxic effect on livestock grazing in contaminated areas. The skeletal damage seen in affected cattle often manifests as increased mineralization, causing stiffness and pain, which can severely limit their mobility and overall health.

While other compounds listed may pose risks or toxicity under certain conditions, their specific associations with skeletal damage in cattle do not compare to that of fluorides.