Prussic Acid Poisoning...is it an issue in Texas??

[JeffJ]

I have a field that I planted in haygrazer. Right now parts of it are 6-8' tall because of the great rains we have had. I had planned on fertilizing when it sprouted but the fields never dried out enough. A buddy said I needed to watch out for prussic acid poisoning if I put my cows on it. I have been researching and cant find much on it. It seems to be a bigger issue up north and on heavily fertilized fields.

Anyone have any insight?

[solocam_aggie]

It can definitely happen in this area. I know a rancher that lost several head last year due to this. Contact your local Ag extention agent about having the grass tested if you are concerned. I'll be honest in that im not certain of all the factors that attribute to Prussic Acid, but it can happen.

[justin156bc]

I wouldnt worry about it right now with all the rains we have had. Prussic acid is cause when the haygrazer is stressed to the max by extreme drought and the first frost of the year. Cut it bale it and feed it. Now come the end of august might be another issue. Takes about 1 gram to make an issue with a 1100 lbs cow. Give me a call if want to elaborate more.

[JeffJ]

I wouldnt worry about it right now with all the rains we have had. Prussic acid is cause when the haygrazer is stressed to the max by extreme drought and the first frost of the year. Cut it bale it and feed it. Now come the end of august might be another issue. Takes about 1 gram to make an issue with a 1100 lbs cow. Give me a call if want to elaborate more.

Is it more of a problem with new growth or mature plants?

[AJ the TP Guru]

Not an issue. I personally know the first rancher whose cows died due to prussic acid poisoning. Even he says it was a freaky deal, and is not concerned about re-occurrence thereof.

[justin156bc]

Either when stressed but had enough rain to not be stressed. Now need to stop grazing before the first frost. After frost turn it under.

[JeffJ]

Either when stressed but had enough rain to not be stressed. Now need to stop grazing before the first frost. After frost turn it under.

Thanks. I plan on weaning some heifers on it in a month but based on what you are saying it should be okay. I will turn it under well before the first frost to put down my winter wheat.

[segbert]

http://publications.tamu.edu/FORAGE/PUB_forage_Haygrazers%20and%20Canes%20for%20South%20Texas.pdf

[JeffJ]

http://publications.tamu.edu/FORAGE/...th%20Texas.pdf

Based on the fact we havent gone more than 10 days without some sort of moisture since it went in the ground I hope we are okay. Our bull was on it since the day it went in the ground and he did nothing put put on weight.

My main concern is between the middle of August and October I will be weaning ~$10-12k worth of heifers in this field. Prob going to cut it if we go 2-3 weeks without rain and turn it under. Plan is to put wheat down this fall anyways.

[solocam_aggie]

Not an issue. I personally know the first rancher whose cows died due to prussic acid poisoning. Even he says it was a freaky deal, and is not concerned about re-occurrence thereof.

Haha we are probably talking about the same guy seeing as you are from Elgin!

[justin156bc]

Jeff how are your deer looking??

[JeffJ]

Jeff how are your deer looking??

Bueno to Muy Bueno

Only see one obvious cull right now and he was a borderline deer from last year we let go. Im sure we will have a few more pop up. All my 2-6yo deer that I can some what ID right now seem to be progressing in all catgories(mass, tine length, spread and # of points). Could have a couple 5yo's in the 150-170 range with one maybe hitting the high 180's. Young deer look good too.