Annually, I and other livestock agents field a lot of questions about potential plants that can be poisonous to cattle and other types of livestock. In this article, we will address some of the most common types of plants that cause livestock poisoning of cattle. I will also provide you with a source for further information both in book form and via the internet.

Lantana: Lantana (Lantana camara) is an ornamental shrub that is used in the landscape, but has escaped to become an invasive noxious weed. Acute poisoning will often result in death in 7-10 days. Photosensitization will be evident in "white-skinned areas" of the affected animals, but it is secondary to the liver damage done by the toxins: Lantadene A and B. Sheep, cattle, horses, and humans are sensitive to the effects of the plant. Flower colors of Lantana vary. There is no specific treatment other than removal and keeping the affected animal out of sunlight.

Black Nightshade: Black Nightshade (Solanum nigrum) is on of many plants in the Solanaceae family that contain toxic alkaloids. The toxins affect the nervous system and can have a direct effect on the digestive system. An effected animal will show signs of muscle twitching, bloating and congestion of the lungs and heart. There is not a specific treatment for the toxins.

Bracken Fern: Bracken Fern (Pteridium aquilinum) is found throughout the U.S. and affects cattle, sheep, pigs, horses and humans. Clinical signs include depression and hemorrhages of the mucous membranes of the nose and mouth. Bloody diarrhea and red urine as well as high temperatures will be seen in affected animals. There are some treatment options, but this is probably an option if the animal has a high economic value. All portions of the plant are toxic whether green or dry.

Oleander: Oleander (Nerium oleander) is showy evergreen flowering shrub used in home landscapes and as highway landscaping. All parts of this plant are toxic, but the red flowered varieties seem to be the most toxic. A single leaf may be toxic to a child consuming the leaf. The lethal dose for cattle and horses consuming leaves is 0.005% (5 # for 1,000# animal) of the animal's body weight. The toxins are cardiac glycosides. Toxins may also be inhaled in smoke when plants are burned. Symptoms include diarrhea, trembling, paralysis, cardiac arrest and coma prior to death.

Crotalaria: Crotalaria (Crotalaria spp.) were introduced as a soil building cover crop for sandy soils in Florida as well as the southeast U. S. The toxins are alkaloids that are present in greatest quantities in the seed. Acute deaths can occur from ingesting large amounts of seeds or plants. Most typically animals will show signs of liver disease and photosensitization.

The 5 plants highlighted above, are just a few of the plants that grow in Florida and are toxic to livestock. There are many, many other plants to also be concerned with, but I they are to numerous for this article.

The following books are several that I use in the office and thought that you might find useful:

• Knight, Anthony P. and Walter, Richard G. A Guide to Plant Poisoning of Animals in North America. Jackson, Wyoming: Teton NewMedia, 2001.
  
  
• Burger, Sandra M. Horse Owner's Field Guide to Toxic Plants. Ossining, New York: Breakthrough Publishing Inc.
  
  
• Lampe, Kenneth F. and McCann,Mary Ann. AMA Handbook of Poisonous and Injurious Plants. Chicago, Illinois: Chicago Review Press.

• http://www.floridaplants.com/mpois.htm
• http://www.caf.wvu.edu/~forage/library/poisonous/index.htm
• http://www.ppws.vt.edu/weedindex.htm
• http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/hort/consumer/poison/poison.htm
• http://cal.vet.upenn.edu/poison/common.htm
• http://www.vth.colostate.edu/poisonous_plants/

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