The potential toxicity of Ilex myrtifolia in beef cattle

Spatial and temporal patterns of death loss in a beef cowherd indicated a possible relationship between the loss of 11 cows and the consumption of Ilex myrtifolia (myrtle leaf holly). To investigate this relationship, plant material from Ilex myrtifolia was harvested and 2 feeding trials were performed. The 1st trial involved intermittent feeding of plant material to 4-mo-o calves for 2 w, and the 2nd trial was continuous plant feeding to 2-mo-o calves for 35 d. No significant clinical pathology, histological or gross lesions resulted and no clinical signs consistent with the original herd problem were observed, suggesting that berries, leaves and stems from Ilex myrtifolia were not sufficiently toxic to induce clinical effects under these experimental conditions.