Livestock are crucial to agriculture, but their well-being can be compromised by consuming toxic plants. This issue is particularly significant in Mzansi, where over 600 indigenous plants pose a potential risk.
Dr Asive Luningo, a clinical assistant toxicologist at the University of Pretoria’s faculty of veterinary science, sheds light on the causes and effects of plant poisoning in livestock.
She emphasises that understanding these risks and implementing effective prevention and management strategies are vital for safeguarding animals and maintaining a thriving herd.
You might not know but poisonous plants contain toxic substances that can harm animals when ingested or upon contact.
These plants can cause a range of acute and chronic effects, leading to significant direct and indirect consequences.
“About 600 indigenous poisonous plants are known to occur in Southern Africa. The most significant plant poisonings in livestock include those containing cardiac glycosides (such as tulp, slangkoppe, plakkies and milkweed).
“These plants cause acute and chronic syndromes, leading to gastrointestinal disorders, cardiovascular issues, neuromuscular problems, and respiratory distress,” she explains.
Safeguarding livestock from plant poisoning
Direct effects of plant poisoning on livestock include death, reduced milk production, and reproductive issues. Indirect losses, on the other hand, involve costs related to control measures, strategic grazing, supplementary feeding, and veterinary care.
“Seneciosis, caused by Senecio spp, affects the liver, leading to symptoms like loss of appetite, depression, and icterus. Other harmful plants include gifblaar, gousiekte plants, devils thorn and vermeerbos each causing a variety of severe health issues in livestock,” she says.
Luningo emphasises that proper plant identification is crucial. “Farmers should recognise plant characteristics such as size, form, leaf shape, flower colour, and odour.
Seeking assistance from professionals like botanists, agricultural personnel, animal technicians, extension officers, and veterinarians is essential.
In this episode, she also discusses:
- Strategies and transparency;
- The importance of certification;
- And her future aspirations.
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