[bgill]

OT - did you hear about the grass in Bastrop County killing cattle? Tifton 85, a modified coastal bermuda grass is for some strange reason producing cyanide gas which has killed some cattle in Bastrop County (the site shows Burnet Co. but it's Bastrop Co). Other ranchers in Bastrop Co. have tested their Tifton 85 and those have shown cyanide as well. They're thinking it might have to do with the drought last year but no one knows. If this is so, then A&M or someone has some explaining to do.

http://www.weareaustin.com/ then click on top video stories and go to Mysterious Mass Cattle Deaths.

[Texas Fossil]

Were the deaths to calves and young heifers?

We have problems with Black Leg in one of our pastures. It is spring fed and in Coastal Bermuda (not Tifton). During wet season we get outbreaks unless he cattle are vaccinated for it. Must be 6 months old to vaccinate, but nursing calves are protected by mother's milk.

Had one nearby farmer loose almost an entire calf crop to it.

If a heifer or calf is infected, it dies. Nothing will stop it once infected. Only vaccination works.

Another possible is prussic acid. Drought stress can cause it in Coastal Bermuda.

[House Atreides]

Cyanide in plants is not unusual—but high concentrations are. It’s likely a byproduct of the drought and a passing problem. Not that that is any consolation for those affected.

http://www.ehow.com/about_5201273_natural-source-cyanide-plants.html