Ragwort is very hardy and will make itself at home in most soils, however, growth is increased in areas of low vegetation, overgrazed pastures, and areas where the ground has been disturbed as seeds can more easily take root. Ragwort is toxic to the majority of livestock, with bovines and equines being the worse affected, young animals being more susceptible. Ragwort contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids, these alkaloids affect the cells of the liver. Cells are slowly killed, the resulting damage means that affected tissue cannot be replaced. This in turn results in gradual scarring.
Survival depends on the amount of ragwort digested.
Loss of Condition Lethargy General weakness Loss of appetite Diarrhoea or constipation. Ragwort will not be intentionally eaten by livestock, however it will be eaten in areas where food is scarce or where it cannot be avoided. A horse will not avoid hay containing ragwort it will quite happily continue eating. Some cases can be treated with antibiotics and steroids, unfortunately once clinical signs are present it is often too late, but there are a few measures that you can take to avoid the problem. Check pasture throughout summer for signs ragwort and remove any weeds that are found.