Identifying and Controlling Toxic Plants in Livestock Pastures

Identifying and Controlling Toxic Plants in Australian Livestock Pastures

Australia's diverse landscape is home to a wide variety of plants, including some that can be toxic to livestock. These toxic plants pose a significant risk to the health of cattle, sheep, and other grazing animals. In this article, we will explore common toxic plants found in Australian pastures, how to identify them, and effective herbicide-based control strategies to protect livestock.

 

Proper identification of toxic plants is crucial for effective management. Livestock owners should:

• Consult with agricultural extension services or local specialists for plant identification.
• Familiarise yourself with plant features, such as leaves, flowers, and growth habits, to distinguish toxic plants from non-toxic ones.
• Monitor pastures regularly for the presence of toxic species, especially during seasons when these plants are more prevalent.
• Remember that toxicity varies from species to species, both in terms of the toxicity of the plants and their palatability of the livestock. For example, what is toxic to horses may be quite palatable to other grazing animals.
• Ensure all herbicide application is conducted in conjunction with a sound pasture rotation strategy to manage withholding periods and maximise desirable pasture recovery.

 

When dealing with toxic plants in pastures, herbicides can be a valuable tool for control. Here are some considerations:

- Selective Herbicides:

Choose herbicides that selectively target the toxic plant species while sparing desirable forage. Consult with agricultural advisors for herbicide recommendations.

 

- Application Timing:

Apply herbicides when the toxic plants are actively growing and susceptible to treatment. Timing can vary depending on the plant species and region.

 

- Follow Label Instructions:

Always follow the herbicide label instructions, including recommended rates and application methods and withholding periods.  Adhering to label guidelines ensures effective and safe control.

 

- Consider Pasture Rotation:

Rotate livestock to different pastures to reduce overgrazing of areas infested with toxic plants. This allows treated areas to recover and minimises livestock exposure.

 

- Monitor Effectiveness:

Regularly assess the effectiveness of herbicide treatments and reapply as necessary to prevent reinfestation.

 

Identifying and controlling toxic plants in Australian livestock pastures is essential for maintaining the health and well-being of grazing animals. Familiarising oneself with common toxic species, learning to identify them accurately, and implementing herbicide-based control strategies can help mitigate the risks associated with toxic plants. Livestock owners and land managers should work in collaboration with agricultural experts to develop effective and sustainable weed management plans to safeguard their herds and pastures.

 

 

Visit our Weed Identification Page to explore methods of control for the mentioned toxic weeds.

 

Toxic Weeds Affecting Livestock in Australia

Several weeds in Australia pose toxicity risks to livestock:

• Pimelea: Affects cattle, sheep, and horses, causing acute poisoning with severe diarrhea or chronic poisoning leading to weight loss, depression, and sudden death.
• Lantana: This invasive shrub can cause liver toxicity and skin conditions in goats, with symptoms including jaundice, scabbed lesions, and reduced digestive function.
• Pokeweed: Rarely causes poisoning in livestock or humans but may pose a risk during drought when forage is scarce.
• Oleander: Highly toxic to all livestock, especially cattle, often causing abdominal pain.
• Lucerne Tree (Tagasaste), Rock Fern (Mulga Fern), Fat Hen, Goosefoot, Nitre Bush, and Crunb Weed: These plants are harmful to cattle, goats, and sheep.
• Glory Lily, Alligator Weed, Scrub Turpentine (Rhodamnia rubescens), and Narrow-Leaf Privet: Known to be toxic to horses.

Other toxic plants include:

• Flatweed
• St John's Wort
• Common Heliotrope
• Paterson's Curse
• Cathead
• Panicum Grasses
• Green Cestrum
• Mother-of-Millions
• Hairy Panic

These plants can lead to various health issues in livestock, underscoring the importance of effective weed management.