There are also reports of abortions, goiter and blindness due to mustard consumption, but these are not major problems. Mustard plants may accumulate nitrates under certain fertilization conditions, and thus cause nitrate toxicosis. There is no antidote for mustard poisoning. Supportive care and providing adequate quality forage is necessary. For more serious signs, or if animals do not recover when mustard feed is withdrawn, consult a veterinarian.
Mustard plants retain their toxic components upon drying.
The seeds in particular contain a high concentration of toxins, and may be incorporated into grain mixes or hay. Care must be taken to insure that these plants and seeds do not contaminate feeds, since they are toxic in any quantity. If small amounts have been incorporated into hay, animals are likely to voluntarily avoid the plants. However, if the hay is highly contaminated and there is no other forage available, the animals will eat the mustard out of necessity and suffer toxic signs as a result. Therefore, avoid feeding mustard, but if this is not entirely possible, provide for additional and more nutritious forage.