So what killed the cows ?

[hemet dennis]

I just saw this story and was wondering what others thought.

http://www.newser.com/story/148807/genetically-modified-grass-linked-to-cattle-deaths.html

 

[chickened]

Consider the source dennis.

 

[hemet dennis]

Consider the source dennis.

It was from a CBS story. I know not much better.

 

[mississippifarmboy]

I believe nothing I hear and only half of what I see.

 

[they'reHISchickens]

I am guessing local weather conditions caused a change in the chemical makeup of the grass. Sorta like stressed corn is bad to feed because of toxins or wilted wild cherry leaves have cyanide-- that sort of thing.

 

[Imp]

 

[sumi]

 

[chickened]

I think it was mass suicide.

A true story, a large power transmission line fell in a pasture, the guys from the power company show up, all the cattle in the pasture were dead in a pile, the power guys said that the dissipation rate of the power was so strong that as each cow that walked up to see why the previous cow was laying down died.

 

[A.T. Hagan]

The grass was NOT genetically modified. Tifton 85 has been in widespread use for years now and is simply a hybrid as many other grass species are.

So far it seems to be a combination of weather affects on the forage and management mistakes with the cows, but they are still investigating.

 

[Baymule]

Tifton85 is not a genetically modified grass. It has been around for years and produces fine pasture and hay. Possibly climatic conditions caused a change in the grass, who knows? I know Johnson grass is toxic at certain growth stages, but it still makes a good pasture and hay.