THE TREATMENT OF TIMBER MILK-VETCH POISONING AMONG CATTLE AND SHEEP

Abstract

Timber milk-vetch Astragalus decumbens var. serotinus, is poisonous to cattle and sheep from early growth to the beginning of the seed-pod stage if consumed in sufficient amounts. About 400 pounds consumed over an 8- to 10-day period was required to poison lactating beef cows. Grazing and feeding experiments have shown that the plant is relatively unpalatable and is consumed only when grasses and legumes have been depleted by grazing pressure or early spring grazing is done before grass growth has commenced. Intramuscular injection of thiamine hydrochloride at the rate of 400 milligrams per adult cow and 100 milligrams per sheep or lamb has shown therapeutic value.