The potential toxicity of Australian weeds to goats

ACACIA GEORGINAE
Alternative Name:
Gidgee
Toxicity to Goats:
Toxic, high risk
Toxicity to Other Species:
Toxic to sheep, cattle, horses and donkeys
Palatability: Seldom eaten
Poisonous Principle:
Fluroacetates, (1080 poison)
Effects:
Signs and symptoms; Rapid, weak, arrhythmic
heart beat and difficulty in breathing.
Excitement or depression, stagger then fall,
with muscle tremors progressing terminal
convulsions.
Health and production problems; Death within
minutes, or up to an hour after ingestion.
Occasionally animals will recover, with no
long-term production problems.
Integrated Control Strategy:
Be aware of potential stock problems.
Comments:
Some animals appear normal until mustered,
and then they suddenly drop dead, or become
recumbent and refuse to travel.
Similar in appearance to A. cambagei (gidyea)
in southern Queensland, with broad curled
pods and disc shaped seeds. A large, straggly
shrub or small tree, growing to about 5 metres
tall, generally with several trunks and crooked
branches.
The flowers are small and yellow, forming
globular clusters in the forks of the leaves.
Both species smell of rotten onions when the
air is damp.
Found in Queensland and the Northern
Territory.
Native animals have developed some tolerance
to this plant. The animals most affected are
5
usually the strongest and most aggressive in
the mob.
Intermittently toxic in many areas, although
not predictable which areas, and which
seasons. Trees are normally browsed as a
source of green feed, but the high tannin
content prevent them from being first choice
for livestock.
Trials of genetically modified rumen bacteria
to be used for the protection of cattle and sheep
against fluroacatate poisoning are being carried
out, and are nearing completion. Safety issues
concerning livestock and native wildlife are a
major concern.