Plant poisoning in livestock. Management strategies for prevention.

Poisonous plants are a principal cause of economic loss to the US livestock industry. These losses are due to such things as deaths of livestock, abortions, photosensitization, debilitation and birth defects. Additionally, livestock producers and land managers are faced with such problems as fencing, loss of forage, altered grazing programs, and, in some instances, supplemental feeding programs and veterinary fees. Much can be done to prevent these losses if those involved know the poisonous plants growing on their ranges and the conditions under which the animal may be poisoned.