Eye on Agriculture Today: Toxic Weeds in Hay and Pastures

Dr. Larry Hollis, K-State Research and Extension beef veterinarian, highlights a couple of potential risks found in pastures and along roads during the summer: Sweet Clover and Kochia.
UPDATE: A view asked, via Facebook, about the symptoms exhibited by poisoned cattle. Dr. Hollis replies:
"Sweetclover toxicity causes hemorrhages to occur, sometimes in the joints where the only sign is lameness. Excessive bleeding caused by a lack of blood clotting following any procedure where blood is encountered is also common (calving, ear tagging, castration, vaccinations, etc.)
"Kochia toxicity can affect both the liver and kidneys. If the liver is affected, we will see signs of photosensitization (better known as sunburn) on lightly colored or lightly haired parts of the body of animals. If the kidneys are affected we will see increased water consumption initially. In either case, if animals are not removed from Kochia as a primary forage or diet component, they may die."