Mares Tail

[smallrancher]

Anyone familiar with the weed Mares Tail? I've heard it's poisonous to horses, but I'm curious if it affects cattle. I've got a chance at a bunch of free bales from a horse farmer that have some in it and he does not want to feed it or sell it. Thanks.

 

[msscamp]

No, I'm not familiar with it. According to this article, it can be toxic to cattle if fed for long periods of time. I believe I would pass on this hay.

http://www.ppdl.purdue.edu/PPDL/weeklyp ... 17-03.html

 

[smallrancher]

I sure do appreciate your speedy and diligent response Msscamp. I agree, I think I will pass.

 

[msscamp]

No problem!

 

[dun]

Cattle eat it without any affect I've seen, but that is only a small part of their diet. I would pass on the stuff strictly because once it gets established it is a real btch to get rid of. Grazon finally eleiminated the redroot pig weed from a field but it hasn;t seemed to affect the mares tail very much.