This is due to a high estrogen level in most legumes that decreases the implantation rate of embryos. If sudan or sorghum-sudan pastures are grazed, drought stress can increase the hazard of prussic acid poisoning. Fall Pasture and Winter Management Milo and corn stalks are excellent sources of roughage and grain. However, corn and milo stubble grazing can cause acidosis or compaction, as well as enterotoxemia. Acidosis usually is caused by ewes consuming a large amount of grain the first day when turned to the stalks.
Fatality rate is high.
Enterotoxemia may be controlled by vaccinating ewes three to four weeks before turning them to stalks. Vaccinating for enterotoxemia will not prevent acidosis or compaction. Use caution when grazing stalks during the last six weeks of a pregnant ewe's gestation period. There may be insufficient energy and other nutrients in the stalks to meet the pregnancy needs if stalks were grazed earlier and the more nutritious grain and leaves removed. This may contribute to lambing paralysis, weak lambs and low milk production.