Cocklebur (Xanthium)
3 December 2018
2 minute read
By: This is found in waste places and the edges of ponds and rivers. Poisoning occurs when pigs eat the two-leaf seedling. The mature plant is unpalatable. The toxins cause depression, vomiting, weakness, rapid breathing, convulsions and lowered body temperature. Death occurs within a few hours. Lesions seen at post-mortem examination include ascites (liquid in abdominal cavity) and liver congestion and necrosis. Treat with mineral or sunflower oil by mouth.
Emily Houghton
Emily Houghton is a Zoology graduate from Cardiff University and was the editor of The Pig Site from October 2017 to May 2020. Emily has worked in livestock husbandry, and has written, conducted and assisted with research projects regarding the synthesis of welfare and productivity of free-range food species.
