Although there are many kinds of hay and grain toxicity, this column will concentrate on the most common forms with which goat breeders have to contend. Prussic acid poisoning , nitrate-nitrite toxicity , and aflatoxin result from extreme changes in weather conditions. Mouth breathing develops within five to fifteen minutes. The heartbeat is rapid and weak.
Muscle twitching occurs quickly and spasms precede death.
Muscous membranes are bright red, indicating a lack of oxygen transfer throughout the body that is necessary for continued survival. Death from respiratory paralysis comes during severe convulsions. The heart continues to beat for several minutes after struggling ceases and breathing stops. Blood often passes from the nostrils and mouth near the time of death. This entire process seldom takes longer than 30 to 45 minutes.