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Message |
    
Dennis Taylor
Member
Username: Dtranch
Post Number: 220
Registered: 3-2003
| | Posted on Monday, Jul 31, 2006 - 9:23 am: |   |
Dr O ...
My hay supplier has offered a reduced price on hay with ironweed (vernonia fasciculata) content. I have tried to research and have found no information as to whether or not this might be harmful for horses. He feeds to cattle, and they just eat around it.
Any information appreciated.
DT |
Robert N. Oglesby DVM
Moderator
Username: Dro
Post Number: 16285
Registered: 1-1997
| | Posted on Tuesday, Aug 1, 2006 - 6:36 am: | |
I too do not have any information Dennis. Unfortunately the lack of information does not guarantee something is safe, just no one has reported problems with it. We do have a good crop of ironweed in a pasture of ours in Virgina and not had problems though the horses could graze the tops of bushhogged weed. While in the pasture however it is much easier to avoid a noxious weed (actually blooming ironweed is quite beautiful when found in thick stands) than it might be in a bale of hay. Also when hays are heavily contaminated with one weed there may be other unknowns. If you go ahead be sure to examine the bales carefully for other things too.
DrO |
Dennis Taylor
Member
Username: Dtranch
Post Number: 221
Registered: 3-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, Aug 1, 2006 - 11:32 am: | |
Thanks Dr O.
I know my horses tend to eat around it in pasture, but didn't know if it was just because they don't like it. If small quantity in the hay, I will give it a try and see if they just sort it out or what.
Thanks again
DT |
Judith L Gordon
Member
Username: Jgordo03
Post Number: 91
Registered: 6-2005
| | Posted on Tuesday, Aug 1, 2006 - 2:21 pm: | |
Dennis,
Ironweed is in the aster family of plants. I'm not sure if asters would hurt a horse, but it may be worth looking into. Vernonia fasciculata's specific species is prairie ironweed. |
Robert N. Oglesby DVM
Moderator
Username: Dro
Post Number: 16290
Registered: 1-1997
| | Posted on Tuesday, Aug 1, 2006 - 8:55 pm: | |
That's backwards Judith, the genus is Vernonia, the specie is fasciculata and "prarie ironweed" is a common or regional name.
DrO |
Judith L Gordon
Member
Username: Jgordo03
Post Number: 93
Registered: 6-2005
| | Posted on Wednesday, Aug 2, 2006 - 10:29 am: | |
Ok Dr0, It's obvious I haven't been in school for a long long long time. |
Robert N. Oglesby DVM
Moderator
Username: Dro
Post Number: 16300
Registered: 1-1997
| | Posted on Thursday, Aug 3, 2006 - 8:23 am: | |
We still love your input.
DrO |
