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Donkey Sanctuary Information Sheet

Science - Ourselves

Information Sheet No. 12 – Ragwort

Ragwort is one of the most frequent causes of plant poisoning of livestock in Britain; equines and bovines are more susceptible – young animals more so than mature animals.  The poisoning is accumulative, eventually destroying the liver.  A small intake over a long period can be just as damaging as a large intake on a single occasion.

On good pasture, livestock tend to avoid eating ragwort.  However, the plant becomes more palatable when cut or wilted, as it loses its bitter taste.  Therefore, dried grass, hay and silage are common sources of ragwort poisoning. 

Methods of control should be the one least damaging to the environment and human health.  As seeds can be dormant in the soil for up to 20 years, cutting the plants at an early stage before flowering reduces seed production.