Display Settings:

Format

Send to:

Choose Destination
    Vet Hum Toxicol. 2003 Jun;45(3):137-9.

    Catastrophic cattle loss to low larkspur (Delphinium nuttallianum) in Idaho.

    Source

    USDA-ARS Poisonous Plant Research Laboratory, 1150 E 1400 N, Logan, UT 84341, USA.

    Abstract

    Low larkspur (Delphinium nuttallianum) is a toxic plant found on many western US rangelands. Episodes of fatal poisoning are often related to the abundance and toxicity of the low larkspurs. This report documents the fatal intoxication of 53 cattle in a herd of 404 animals in south-central Idaho during Spring 2002. Low larkspur had a toxic alkaloid concentration of 8.26 mg/g. Several factors were involved in a loss of this magnitude, including climatic conditions ideal for low larkspur growth, poor grass growth during the spring, the high alkaloid concentration in larkspur, and the deaths of many cattle while being moved from the pasture. It is important for livestock owners and managers to recognize toxic plants growing in their area. If there is an unusual abundance of larkspur or other toxic plants, correct identification can provoke caution in grazing management.

    PMID:
    12776789
    [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

      Supplemental Content

      Save items

      loading

      Recent activity

      Your browsing activity is empty.

      Activity recording is turned off.

      Turn recording back on

      See more...
      Write to the Help Desk