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Discussion on Hay with ironweed content
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Member:
Dtranch
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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
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Moderator:
DrO
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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
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Member:
Dtranch
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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
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Member:
Jgordo03
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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.
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Moderator:
DrO
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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
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Member:
Jgordo03
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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.
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Moderator:
DrO
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Posted on Thursday, Aug 3, 2006 - 8:23 am:
We still love your input.
DrO
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