Fall is approaching, and with it comes the potential for livestock poisoning from certain plants. Two common hazards to watch out for are buckeye poisoning and cyanide poisoning.
Buckeye poisoning is caused by the nuts of the buckeye tree. These nuts can be fatal to livestock, even in small quantities. Symptoms of buckeye poisoning include weakness, loss of balance, and muscle twitching. If you suspect buckeye poisoning, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Cyanide poisoning can be caused by a variety of plants, including black cherry trees, johnsongrass, and sorghums. Cyanide poisoning is especially dangerous after a frost, as the plants can contain higher concentrations of cyanide. Symptoms of cyanide poisoning include rapid breathing, seizures, and coma. If you suspect cyanide poisoning, contact your veterinarian immediately.
To prevent livestock poisoning, it is important to be aware of the plants that are poisonous to livestock and to remove them from pastures or keep animals away from them. It is also important to inspect pastures regularly for signs of poisoning, such as dead or dying animals.
Here are some tips to prevent livestock poisoning:
- Remove buckeye trees from pastures or keep animals away from them.
- Do not graze livestock on black cherry leaves or branches after a frost.
- Do not graze livestock on johnsongrass or sorghums until they are above knee height.
- Cyanide-free hybrids of sudan grasses are available as forage crops for animal consumption.
- Inspect pastures regularly for signs of poisoning, such as dead or dying animals.
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Categories: Ohio, Livestock