- This page contains information regarding a plant "known to be poisonous" to goats as well as other animals. This information was researched from various resources. Please note, that the author is not a botanist or specialist regarding plants. This information is posted for your reference and comparison purposes only.
ALSO KNOWN AS:
Soapwort (carnation family)
DESCRIPTION:
A very common and familiar weed of summer and autumn throughout the United States, bouncing bet is found in colonies along roadsides and railroad tracks, in meadows, and waste areas. It is a knee-high, spreading, perennial weed with jointed stems. The leaves are opposite, simple, toothless, and slightly hairy. Phlox-like, flat-topped flower clusters consist of white or pinkish-white to red blossoms that have five petals, each with a slight notch at the tip.
DANGEROUS PARTS OF PLANT:
All parts, especially seeds and roots.
SIGNS:
Bouncing bet contains saponins, substances that when mixed with water produce a soap-like foam. These saponins produce gastrointestinal irritation upon ingestion. Animals will typically avoid eating this plant, however they may ingest it if extremely hungry and no better feed is available, or if parts of the plant (especially the seeds or the roots) are incorporated into prepared feeds. The plant needs to be consumed for several days before toxic signs are noted, which can include: mild depression, vomiting (in those species that can vomit), abdominal pain, diarrhea (which may become bloody). Overall, this toxicosis is not encountered frequently.
The seeds of corn cockle (Agrostemma githago) contains saponins and cause toxicity similar to that of bouncing bet. In the case of corn cockle, the poisonings occurred when seeds contaminated prepared feeds. Swine are particularly susceptible to this toxicity.
TOXICITY RATING:
Low.
ANIMALS AFFECTED:
All animals have the potential to be affected.
CLASS OF SIGNS:
Mouth, stomach, and intestinal irritation.
FIRST AID:
If the animals are eating the plant in the pasture, either remove the animals or eliminate the plants. Provide better forage, since most animals will not eat this plant unless there is little else to eat. If the feed is contaminated, it may need to be discarded, since the continual presence of the saponins will perpetuate the gastrointestinal irritation. Call a veterinarian if animals are severely affected and do not recover within 12 to 24 hours, or if the animals were observed eating a large amount of the plants.
SAFETY IN PREPARED FEEDS:
Feed and hay contamination with bouncing bet (especially the seeds) is the primary route of poisoning. The toxicity remains with drying and upon storage, and the feed is not safe for consumption.
PREVENTION:
Maintain pastures in good condition, keeping weeds mowed. This alone will discourage most broadleaf plants from growing, including bouncing bet. Exercise caution when preparing hay or other feeds, so that no seeds or other plant part becomes incorporated into the mixture. When buying feeds, only do business with reputable suppliers.
