Management Approaches to Reduce Livestock Losses from Poisonous Plants on Rangeland

Abstract

Early approaches to management for the purpose of reducing or minimizing animal losses due to plant toxins were those of avoiding the areas with poisonous plants or eradicating these plants where feasible. As knowledge and information accumulated through scientific investigations and, often, through experience gained by livestock producers, other techniques could be followed. With a growing understanding of what plants are poisonous and the nature of the toxins, along with the conditions under which toxins are elaborated in the plant, management strategies have been improved.