Cattle Deaths Still Baffle Scientists - Grass Tied to Texas Cattle Deaths Hybrid, Not GM

A cattle ranch in Elgin, Texas., where 15 head died after grazing in a field. Tests showed the grass they ingested was producing cyanide gas. (KEYE)

weareaustin.com - June 26, 2012

Three days after KEYE-TV first reported on grass killing cattle east of Austin, scientists at Texas A&M University and the USDA are still investigating what's causing it.

"The grass looked good, it was fresh, early in the spring, and we thought we'd turn them out," explained Jerry Abel, the cattle rancher.

The grass growing in Abel's pasture on his 80-acres in Elgin is a variety known as Tifton 85.  Several weeks ago, he opened the gates for his hungry herd of Corriente cattle - but within hours, 15 of the 18 were dead.

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