A review of kikuyu grass ( Pennisetum clandestinum) poisoning in cattle

K ikuyu grass ( Pennisetum clandestinum ) is a perennial pasture species with a spring to autumn growth habit. Although it is usually grazed without ill effect, spasmodic incidents of poisoning in cattle 1 and, to a much lesser extent, sheep 2 and goats, 3 have been encountered. The aetiology and pathogenesis of kikuyu poisoning remains poorly understood. Outbreaks are characteristically acute to peracute, lethal, sudden in onset, spasmodic in occurrence, restricted in geographical distribution, and short in duration. Detailed investigations of cause and effect have been problematic, with new lines of inquiry typically not formulated until after an outbreak has ended.