Bluebell toxicity

[JohnnyP]

Blowing a gale here on Skye today, so I thought I'd let the cows into a wood they've used for shelter in the past. Trouble is that at this time of year it's carpeted with bluebells (hyacinthoides non scripta). The cows immediately started munching the bluebell leaves, sending me rushing back to google bluebell toxicity and then call my sister the vet. Ten minutes later the cows were ejected from the woods and looking at me reproachfully. It seems that bluebells contain cardiac glycosides (similar to the digoxin found in foxglove) which can produce symptoms of slow heart rate, low blood pressure and irritation to the GI tract. Anyhow, I've given them some hay to dilute the offending bluebells and will keep an eye on them. Apparently the glycosides will only last in a cow's system for a few hours and it's unlikely that they've eaten enough to cause symptoms. Just thought this was potentially interesting and wondered if any members had similar experiences?

[Broomcroft]

I didn't know that. I saw bluebells in our fields near the woods the other day. i think I'll fence them off now.

Thanks.