Month: October 2004

Frost and Sudan-type Grasses

– Bill Weiss, Dept. of Animal Science, The Ohio State University

Some summer annual grasses contain compounds that can be converted to cyanide when the plant cells are damaged. The concentrations of these compounds vary among plant species: sorghum contains the highest concentrations, followed by sorghum-sudangrass crosses (sudax), and sudangrass contains the lowest concentrations. The concentrations of these compounds are highest in immature plants and decrease as the plant matures and leaves contain much higher concentrations than do stems. Frost will damage or kill plant cells which allows the formation of cyanide making the forage toxic to ruminants. Ruminants should not be allowed to graze Continue reading Frost and Sudan-type Grasses →

Treatment Timing for Cattle Grubs

– Rory Lewandowski, OSU Extension Agent, Athens County, edited from OSU Bulletin 473, “Livestock and Livestock Building Pest Management”

Proper timing of treatment is important when using systemic grubicide pour-ons, spot-ons, or sprays on beef and non-lactating dairy cattle. Summer-time treatments for cattle grubs usually provide two to three weeks of horn fly control. For most effective results, cattle should be treated as soon as possible after heel fly activity ceases, but at least six weeks before grubs appear in the back, i.e. from July to the first killing frost (October). In Ohio it may be best to treat after September 1 to avoid the risk of reinfestation. Do not treat after November 1 for cattle grubs. Do not treat on extremely hot days. Continue reading Treatment Timing for Cattle Grubs →

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