ABSTRACT
Managers and users of public or private grazing lands realize that grazing hazards may be present because of poisonous plants. Information about the toxins those plants contain and their effects on livestock can facilitate intelligent management decisions to reduce losses. Plant toxin information can either help or hinder in solving poisonous plant problems on the range. Problems can arise from placing heavy reliance on toxin information unless some of the constraints attending that use are considered. The maximum usefulness of plant toxin information is based on using existing information derived from solid research to avoid problems rather than relying on results of a crisis analysis to solve a problem after trouble starts. In a study of the comparative toxicity and teratogenicity of coniine in cows, mares, and ewes, striking differences were observed. Toxic signs in poisoned livestock include depression, labored breathing, tremors, irregular heart rate and irregular gait.
