Clark Roberts shares the importance of keeping an eye on cattle that graze where Johnsongrass is present, due to the risk of prussic acid toxicity.
Anything that physically stresses Johnsongrass, such as drought in summer or freezing in the fall, can increase the amount of prussic acid in this invasive forage plant. Secondly, with rain after drought, or warm temperatures after a frost, the fresh, green growth is one of the first things the cows will go after. That’s the danger, because those young leaves are higher in prussic acid.” – Clark Roberts
Source: BEEF, August 15, 2022. Link.
INSIGHTS: Roberts’ tips to help cattle avoid ingesting too much Johnsongrass when it is most toxic will be appreciated by cattle producers already taxed with dealing with drought, forage shortages and culling decisions. Share this article on social media, in newsletters or as part of an outbound telephone service strategy with key cattle customers.