Roundup for 3.6.2021 Section B

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Drought conditions prompt keen eye for toxic plants “Producers might be thinking about drought in terms of July and August, but especially during dry years, we need to think about poisonous plants being some of the only forage available in April and May,” shares University of Wyoming (UW) Extension Agriculture and Horticulture Educator Brian Sebade. During the Fremont County Farm and Ranch Days, held Feb. 3-4 in Riverton, Sebade reminded producers to keep an eye out for toxic plants during drought conditions and shared potential management strategies in the case of their presence. “Recent estimates state poisonous plants are costing producers in the U.S. around $6 million each year,” Sebade says. “This includes the economic loss of the animal, animal genetics, changes to fencing, herbicide, grazing strategies and additional forage. In addition, there might be the cost of pasture which cannot be grazed, decreased land value, veterinary bills and emotional worry.” Cyanide poisoning Sebade notes a common plant, chokecherry, can cause cyanide poisoning in livestock. This plant is found mostly in riparian areas throughout the state. “Chokecherry might be a safe forage option for livestock during certain times of the year, but when the plant is stressed, during drought for example, producers tend to run into issues,” he shares. “When the plant becomes stressed, toxins are not able to move and distribute throughout the plant as well as when water resources are abundant.” Ruminants are more affected than non-ruminants, Sebade adds, as rumen microorganisms contain enzymes which release cyanide into the digestive tract, poisoning the animal. The toxic dose for cyanide poisoning varies, but must be consumed at one time. Signs of poisoning are rapid, says Sebade. Nitrate poisoning There are several plants which put livestock, especially ruminants, at risk of nitrate poisoning. Canada thistle, Russian thistle and kochia are species Sebade specifically points out for producers to watch for. “These plants generally grow around the edges of fields and sometimes get chopped into hay,” he explains. “Some forage crops, such as oats, tend to cause nitrate poisoning as well.” Sebade notes nitrate poisoning prevents blood from picking up oxygen. When plants containing higher levels of nitrate are consumed, the rumen converts nitrate to nitrite, which then converts hemoglobin, the oxygen carrier in blood, to methemoglodin. “Usually standing plants are the worst,” Sebade shares.

He continues, “If these plants are hayed animals can usually pick the plants out. But, if the plants are chopped it could be a concern.” Sebade shares nitrate poisoning occurs when the animal has consumed about 0.5 percent of their bodyweight of the toxic plant, which equals about a half-pound for a 1,200-pound cow. If producers are concerned about hay which may contain these plants, Sebade recommends sending a sample for testing. Selenium poisoning Wyoming is noted for soils with high selenium content. Selenium-loving plants which contain more than five parts per million (ppm) selenium are considered toxic, according to Sebade. “Selenium is a mineral needed by livestock, but too much can poison the animal,” he states. “It affects hair, hooves and horns specifically in horses and cattle.”

Sebade shares producers should keep an eye out for key indicator plants, including woody aster and prince’s plume because they can lead producers to toxic plants such as milkvetches and high-selenium soils. Two-grooved milkvetch, alkali milkvetch and tine-leaf milkvetch are primary selenium accumulating plants. Secondary selenium accumulators include asters, Indian paintbrush, toadflax, gumweed and salt brush. Other toxic plants “If producers don’t have as much forage on pastures livestock are being turned out on in the spring, there is the potential for livestock to try new plants – especially if they are green,” says Sebade. “Generally in the spring we see toxic plants as the first to start growing.” Sagebrush and bur buttercup, found mostly in moist pasture areas in the early

spring, can affect cattle and horses. Symptoms include excessive salivation, diarrhea, liver damage and sensitivity to the sun. Houndstongue is another plant producers should be aware of. Sebade notes it might not cause death, but it is known for causing issues with sun sensitivity and liver damage. The main toxin found within these plants, which grow in foothills and areas of higher precipitation, is pyrrolizidine. Houndstongue is fairly drought resistant, Sebade adds, and younger plants are most poisonous. Sebade shares death camas and larkspur are both poisonous plants which are easier to recognize later in the year, but are toxic early in the spring. “Look for leaves of poisonous plants poking up in the early spring,” he says. “Especially in drought situ-

ations when other forage is not available.” Management strategies There are lots of things for producers to consider when it comes to managing livestock on pastures with the potential of poisonous plants, including considering the animals’ health going into the grazing season as well as the age and gender of the animals. “If animals aren’t in good health, they are likely more susceptible to issues caused by poisonous plants,” says Sebade. “Producers should take range condition into consideration, and do a walk through or drive

through of pastures to keep tabs on what plants inhabit the area.” Providing clean, safe water as well as mineral is also important to keep livestock healthy should they consume toxic plants. Sebade recommends scouting pastures each week in the spring for problem plants. If plants are found, he shares producers should be careful spraying to not attract livestock to salts found in herbicides. Averi Hales is the editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@ wylr.net.

For more information, view the UW Extension Bulletin “Plants Poisonous to Livestock in Montana and Wyoming” at wyoextension.org/agpubs/pubs/B1359-poisonousplants-web.pdf.

Vermilion Ranch

Vermilion Bomber H072

Spring Performance Sale THURSDAY, MARCH 25, 2021

Heifers sell at the South Pryor Development Center, Billings, MT at 12:00 

AAA 19768048 BW

WW

YW

MILK

$W

$B

Act BW Adj WW Adj YW

-0.1 +86 +154 +24 +86 +193 82

5,000 ANGUS SELL

Vermilion McIlroy H004

4,500 Fancy Open Commercial Replacement Heifers

Vermilion McIlroy H007

All One Iron Bangs Vaccinated Ready to Breed Montana’s Best

AAA 19767997 WW

YW

MILK

$W

$B

500 TOTAL PERFORMANCE Yearling Angus Bulls

Act BW Adj WW Adj YW

+0.4 +71 +134 +21 +68 +142 82

Bulls sell at the Public Auction Yards, Billings, MT at 11:00 

917 1419

SIRE: Casino Bomber N33 MGS: Vermilion Play Maker C458

BW

FRIDAY, MARCH 26, 2021

839 1354

SIRE: Connealy McIlroy MGS: S A V Sensation 5615 AAA 19767990

Vermilion Commerce H008 BW

WW

YW

MILK

$W

$B

Act BW Adj WW Adj YW

-1.1 +70 +124 +24 +77 +144 70

772 1263

SIRE: Connealy McIlroy MGS: Vermilion Spur C846

BULLS SIRED BY: Casino Bomber Vermilion ReRide - SAV Quarterback - Connealy Spur Vermilion Spur D125 - KG Premium Asset Connealy McIlroy - Sitz Commerce - Southern Charm Vermilion Spur E143 - SAV Sensation 5615 Vermilion Sensational - Vermilion Charge On Bull offering:

Vermilion Commerce H099

• • • • • •

AAA 19767991 BW

WW

YW

MILK

$W

$B

Act BW Adj WW Adj YW

+1.2 +75 +142 +20 +66 +132 76

799 1369

SIRE: SITZ Commerce 670F MGS: Connealy Countdown AAA 19768074

Vermilion D125 Spur H168 BW

WW

YW

MILK

$W

$B

Act BW Adj WW Adj YW

-1.4 +68 +121 +30 +83 +118 68

805 1392

SIRE: SITZ Commerce 670F MGS: Vermilion Spur C846

AAA 19768128 BW

WW

YW

MILK

$W

$B

Act BW Adj WW Adj YW

+2.4 +79 +139 +28 +79 +150 88

867 1389

SIRE: Vermilion Spur D125 MGS: Connealy Countdown

Sale broadcast and videos available online through Northern Livestock Video Auction www.northernlivestockvideo.com

Genomic tested with Volume discounts Free delivery in Montana and adjoining states First breeding season guarantee Large sire groups with many half and three-quarter brothers All fertility measured and soundness evaluated

NEW AT THE SPRING SALE! 90 Registered Females

Selling registered bred cows and heifers from our fall program. This is the first time we have offered them at auction. 30 heifers AI bred to Bomber and McIlroy, and 60 Cows bred to top Vermilion Sires. Selling Friday, March 26.

Vermilion Ranch Pat Goggins Family Bob Cook - Records & Sales Cell: 406-670-0078 Jeff Mosher - Vermilion North Brandon Mosher - Pryor Creek

Jake Kading - Herdsman Cell: 406-672-5844 Bill Shaules - South Pryor Greg Roberts - Diamond Ring

PO Box 30758 Billings, MT 59107 Email: bcook@cattleplus.com www.vermilionangus.com


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