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News Brief

Sept. 5, 2023Jefferson City, Mo. |  By: Jeremy Werner

MO officials warn about cattle poisoning

cows

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. - Cattle producers in drought-stressed parts of Missouri are being warned about cyanide poisoning in their herds.

Johnson grass and sorghum species can contain cyanide-producing compounds that lead to this poisoning, especially after extreme weather like drought or frost.

Recently, over 70 adult cattle in Missouri died after grazing on drought-stressed pasture with lush Johnson grass. This poisoning occurs when cattle consume immature leaves of these plants.

Veterinarians advise monitoring cattle closely for sudden symptoms, and prevention measures include soil testing before applying nitrogen, delaying grazing until plants reach 24 inches in height, and not turning hungry cattle into pastures with these plants.