Halogeton Toxicity in Cattle

Clell V. Bagley DVM, Utah State University

Abstract

“Everyone” knows that halogeton is toxic to sheep, but sometimes we forget that it is also toxic for cattle. If cattle eat enough of it, it will kill them. One autumn incident resulted in the death of over 40 head of cows in a multiple owner grazing herd. When the case history is reviewed, halogeton poisoning (sheep or cattle) could almost always have been prevented IF something had been done just a little different. That something is usually associated with water intake (thirst), hunger, and access to heavy stands of halogeton. The example incident is a classic example.