Selected Common Poisonous Plants of the United States' Rangelands

摘要

Poisonous plants growing on US rangelands cause significant economic losses to livestock producers. It is important that livestock owners and producers are familiar with potentially toxic plants growing in their area and use available knowledge aboutthe ecology and physiology of these plants to avoid livestock losses. Few treatments are available for livestock poisoned by toxic plants. Therefore preventing livestock access to toxic plants during conditions when poisoning may occur is critical. For example, many poisonous plants are palatable, or their toxin concentrations are high enough to poison livestock, only during specific time periods. Similarly, livestock may be susceptible to the toxins in poisonous plants only during specific times, suchas critical periods of pregnancy; otherwise, these plants can be safely consumed. Additionally, many poisonous plants are grazed only when more preferred forages are depleted, emphasizing the need for land owners and managers to responsibly manage theirranges and pastures. In conclusion, if producers are well acquainted with the ecology and physiology of the plants growing on their ranges, management strategies can be developed to reduce livestock exposure and avoid poisoning.