Rape poisoning in sheep

Abstract

Extract

Rape (Brassica napus) is grown in New Zealand predominantly for fattening lambs after weaning⁽¹⁾, although its use has steadily declined, especially in the North Island. One of the important precautions to be taken when using rape for supplementary feeding is that it must be mature before feeding. Rape grazed in the immature stage, before it takes on a purple tinge, can induce photosensitisation (rape scald)⁽²⁾.