Prussic acid toxicity, commonly linked to the consumption of Johnsongrass, is a serious condition that can be fatal to livestock. Recent rains after a period of dry weather have heightened the toxicity risk.
Barry Whitworth, DVM, senior Extension specialist/state Beef Quality Assurance coordinator for the Oklahoma State University Department of Animal and Food Sciences, said when temperatures rise and the ground dries out, certain plants in the sorghum family become toxic and can kill cattle at a rapid rate. Johnsongrass is one of Oklahoma’s most invasive plants.
“Hydrocyanic acid,…
