Photosensitization of cattle in Montana: is Descurainia pinnata the culprit?
Pfister, J.A.; Baker, D.C.; Lacey, J.R.; Brownson, R.
Veterinary and Human Toxicology 31(3): 225-227
1989
ISSN/ISBN: 0145-6296 PMID: 2741309 Document Number: 331217
Recurrent photosensitization of cattle in Montana has been blamed on Descurainia pinnata, tansy mustard. Two feeding trials were conducted to determine if it was phototoxic. Pen-fed cattle each consumed 2.4 and 4.1 kg/day of the live plant in 2 trials, and no photosensitization was detected. Liver clearance of BSP was within normal limits, as were blood chemistry values for AST, CK and GGT. Field cases have confirmed that tansy mustard was present and grazed in pastures where affected animals have grazed. Other factors may be necessary to predispose cattle to photosensitization by tansy mustard.