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Weed Control
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Content by Andy Hulting
Plants Causing Physical Injury in Pastures
Many plants have characteristic that can cause injury to grazing animals. Some grasses can be palatable when young, but can cause injury to the nose, eyes, mouth and ears of grazing animals when plants mature with long awns.
Plants Causing Irritation in Pastures
Plants in this group contain compounds that may irritate an animal's digestive tract, mouth or skin if consumed. These plants are not generally palatable and are typically avoided.
Plants Affecting Cardiovascular Health in Pastures
Cardiac glycosides are the most common toxin affecting cardiovascular health. Generally all parts of the plant are highly toxic and lethal if eaten in small quantities. However, animals typically will not readily eat these unpalatable plants, unless no other forage is available.
Plants Causing Cyanide Poisoning in Pastures
This group of plants contain cyanogenic glycosides that are converted to hydrogen cyanide or prussic acid when the plant cells are damaged. Chronic poisoning over time causes loss of nerve function while acute poisoning causes death.
Plants Causing Organ Failure in Pastures
This group of plants contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids which are the most common cause of liver damage, but also can cause kidney damage, heart failure, cancer and photosensitization. Animals typically will not readily eat plants with pyrrolizidine alkaloids, unless no other forage is available.
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