What organ is responsible for the detoxification of substances in livestock?

The liver is the primary organ responsible for detoxification in livestock. It plays a crucial role in metabolizing and breaking down harmful substances, including drugs, alcohol, and metabolic waste products. The liver processes these substances so they can be safely excreted from the body, primarily through urine or bile.

In addition to detoxification, the liver is involved in other essential functions such as the production of proteins necessary for blood clotting and the regulation of glucose levels in the blood. It's highly efficient in filtering blood that comes from the digestive tract before it circulates to the rest of the body.

While the kidneys also play a significant role in filtering waste products from the bloodstream and excreting them via urine, their primary function is not detoxification in the same way the liver performs it. The lungs are primarily involved in gas exchange (oxygen and carbon dioxide), and the spleen is part of the immune system, filtering blood and managing blood cells rather than detoxifying substances. Therefore, the liver is specifically identified as the organ responsible for the detoxification of substances in livestock.