| Term | Common ragwort |
| Category | Herbs |
| Definition | Common ragwort is a wild plant that is toxic to horses. Regular ingestion over a longer period is particularly problematic, as liver damage can develop insidiously. |
| Effects & Risks | The plant contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids. These can be converted in the liver into toxic degradation products and cause permanent damage to cells. The effect can accumulate over weeks or months. |
| Application | Common ragwort has no application in horse feeding. Plants should be consistently monitored and removed from pastures and grazing areas before they set seed. |
| Fresh or dried? | Fresh common ragwort is often avoided due to its bitter taste. However, when dried in hay, it loses some of its deterrent properties while remaining toxic. Therefore, contaminated hay is particularly dangerous. |
| Important to know | Possible consequences include weight loss, lethargy, decreased performance, digestive issues, jaundice (yellowing of the mucous membranes), and neurological abnormalities. If repeated ingestion is suspected, liver function should be monitored by a veterinarian. |
| Related terms | Poisonous plants · Pyrrolizidine alkaloids · Liver · Hay inspection · Pasture inspection |
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