Toxic plant poisonings cause an estimated $50 million to $100
million in livestock losses in Texas every year. Losses in 1987 from
one toxic plant alone—broom snakeweed—were estimated to be
more than $30 million. These estimates do not include the
decreased production from animals that become ill but do not
die, nor do they factor in the reduced carrying capacity from loss
of grazing when infested pastures cannot be used.
A key to controlling these plants is being able to identify them
and to know their growth habits and toxicology, the clinical signs
they cause, the methods for treating affected animals and strategies
to prevent poisonings. This handbook was written to give
livestock producers the information they need to reduce losses
from the most common toxic plants in Texas.
Livestock producers should remember that many factors other
than toxic plants can cause livestock to become ill or die. The first
challenge when confronted with sick or dead animals is to determine
the cause—be it related to disease, weather, nutritional status
or many other possibilities and/or interactions. Those who
know about toxic plants will find it easier to pinpoint the potential
causes of sickness or death in livestock.
Toxic Plants of Texas includes descriptions of the 106 most common
toxic plants in the state; explanations of what makes each
plant toxic and how much an animal must consume to be affected;
lists of animal poisoning signs; strategies for treating the animal
(if known), preventing poisonings and controlling the plants;
and photographs of distinguishing plant features.
The site also offers a brief overview of integrated toxic plant
management, which is an approach to controlling toxic plants efficiently,
economically and with the least harm to the environment.
Also included are descriptions of animal clinical signs usually
associated with livestock-poisoning plants, a glossary and an index
to common and scientific plant names. For quick diagnostic work,
a field key at the end of the handbook cross-references animal poisoning
signs with plant species.