Kleingrass (
Panicum coloratum) is a warm-season, perennial bunchgrass that is native to Africa. It has been introduced in other regions worldwide for its forage value for livestock. It is found abundantly throughout the the southwestern United States.
Kleingrass Toxic Components
Panicum species contain steroidal saponins. If large quantities of steroidal saponins are ingested by horses, it can lead to liver damage and secondary
photosensitization.
History of Poisoning Cases from Kleingrass
Between 1977 and 2000, kleingrass has resulted in over 85 cases of poisoning in grazing livestock. In 1988, 6 horses were diagnosed with chronic hepatic disease with clinical signs of anorexia and weight loss, after consumption of kleingrass hay.
What Kleingrass Looks Like
- Stem: 2-4 mm diameter
- Root: Shortly rhizomatous
- Leaves: Glabrous to hair; green to glaucous blue-green
- Seedhead: Panicles; green and purple spikelets
- Photosensitization
- Loss In Appetite
- Weight Loss
- Depression
- Jaundice
- Incoordination
- Lameness
CHEMICAL CONTROL: Tolerant of pre-emergent application of propazine and triasulfuron, and post-emergent propachlor, metolachlor, and triasulfuron, but susceptible to atrazine, ametryne, prometryne, propazine, linuron, pendimethalin, alachlor, metolachlor, propachlor, metsulfuron methyl and imazapic.
