As Monsoon Rains Bring Fresh Green Cover, Vets Warn It Could Be Lethal For Grazing Cattle In Deoghar Poisonous weeds like Parthenium, narkul and madar that spring up fast in fields and roadsides during the monsoon can seriously sicken or even kill cows and buffaloes, veterinarian Dr. Poonam Soren of Deoghar's Krishi Vigyan Kendra has warned cattle owners to stay alert. The first spell of monsoon rain turns fields, roadside verges and empty plots in places like Deoghar in Jharkhand green almost overnight, and that is exactly when most cattle owners let their cows and buffaloes loose to graze in the open. The idea is simple, an easy supply of fresh fodder, but veterinarians say this common practice can turn dangerous fast. Not every green plant that sprouts during the rains is safe for animals to eat. Several poisonous weeds grow rapidly through the monsoon, and if milch cattle end up eating them, they can fall seriously ill, their milk yield can drop, and in some cases their lives can be at risk. For families that depend on their cows and buffaloes for daily milk income, that combination of falling yield and a sick animal can be a real financial blow, not just an animal health concern. Parthenium, or Congress grass, is the biggest threat Dr. Poonam Soren, a veterinarian at the Krishi Vigyan Kendra in Deoghar, says cattle owners need to keep a constant watch on their animals through the rainy season. If animals are grazing in the open, owners must check exactly what plants and grasses they are eating, because poisonous weeds often get eaten alongside ordinary green grass without showing any immediate effect. Dr. Soren explains that symptoms of illness sometimes only show up a few hours after the animal has eaten the plant, which is why staying alert in advance is the best form of protection. According to her, the most dangerous weed of all is Parthenium, commonly known as Congress grass, which grows easily in fields, along roadsides and on vacant land. If a cow or buffalo eats it, the plant can affect the animal's skin, its digestive system and its internal organs. Prolonged exposure to or consumption of this grass gradually weakens the animal, and its milk-producing capacity can decline as well, meaning the effects of Parthenium are not always sudden but can build up over repeated grazing in affected fields. Reeds by ponds and the milky poison of the madar plant It is not just farmland that poses a risk during the monsoon. The reed weed, known as narkul, which grows along pond edges, waterlogged patches and marshy ground, is just as dangerous for animals. Dr. Soren says that if cows and buffaloes eat too much of it, they can develop indigestion, bloating and symptoms of toxic effect. That is why identifying exactly what grasses and plants are growing in an area is considered essential before letting animals graze near ponds or marshy land, particularly the kind of waterlogged patches that spread quickly once the rains set in. The madar plant is another serious hazard. When its branches or leaves are broken, a white, milk-like poisonous liquid oozes out. If this plant somehow ends up in an animal's stomach, it can trigger diarrhoea, fever, weakness and restlessness. Dr. Soren notes that the condition can sometimes turn severe enough that the animal needs immediate treatment. What to do first if an animal falls ill If an animal accidentally eats poisonous grass or a toxic plant and starts showing signs such as indigestion, lethargy or bloating, owners should not take the situation lightly. Dr. Poonam Soren says that in the early stages, the animal should first be given plenty of clean water to drink. As a home remedy, tamarind water can also be given, which often induces vomiting in the animal and helps expel the poisonous substance from its body. However, Dr. Soren is clear that this is only first aid and should not be treated as a substitute for proper treatment. If the animal's condition looks serious or the symptoms persist, owners should contact the nearest veterinarian without delay, since timely treatment can save the animal's life and prevent more serious harm that could otherwise follow if the poisoning is left unaddressed. What this means for you • Across India: Cattle owners nationwide need to check for poisonous weeds like Parthenium, narkul and madar before letting cows and buffaloes graze freely during the monsoon, since these plants can trigger serious illness and cut milk yield. • In Deoghar: Following the local Krishi Vigyan Kendra's advice, cattle owners in Deoghar should identify and keep their animals away from Parthenium, narkul and madar plants, and reach out to the nearest veterinarian as soon as symptoms appear. Questions & Answers 1. Which grass is most dangerous for cattle? According to Dr. Poonam Soren, Parthenium, also known as Congress grass, is the most dangerous weed for cattle. 2. What effect does Parthenium have on an animal that eats it? It affects the animal's skin, digestive system and internal organs, gradually weakens the animal and reduces its milk-producing capacity. 3. Where does narkul grow and how dangerous is it? Narkul grows along pond edges, waterlogged areas and marshy ground, and eating too much of it can cause indigestion, bloating and toxic effects in cows and buffaloes. 4. Why is the madar plant dangerous for animals? Breaking the madar plant's branches or leaves releases a white, milk-like poisonous liquid that can cause diarrhoea, fever, weakness and restlessness if it ends up in an animal's stomach. 5. What is the first step if an animal accidentally eats poisonous grass? Dr. Soren says the animal should first be given plenty of clean water, and tamarind water can be given as a home remedy to induce vomiting and expel the poison. 6. Who gave this advice? The advice comes from Dr. Poonam Soren, a veterinarian at the Krishi Vigyan Kendra in Deoghar. 7. What should be done if the animal's condition looks serious? If symptoms are severe or persist, owners should contact the nearest veterinarian without delay so the animal can get timely treatment. https://trendkia.com/en/jharkhand/deoghar-men-barisha-shuru-hote-hi-charane-vale-pashuon-para-mndaraya-jaharili-ghasa-ka-khatara-7934 TrendKia — Har trend, sabse pehle.