Feather-Grass Disease

mechanical injury to the tissues and organs of animals caused by the awns of the fruit, or caryopsis, of the various species of feather grass (Stipa), family Gramineae.

The awns of the feather grass injure the mucous membranes and skin of the animal, forming fistulas and deep abscesses. The constant discomfort and pain lead to the gradual exhaustion of the animal. For preventive purposes, the grasses should be fed to the animals before the hardening and coarsening of the plants; hay containing feather grass should first be wet down or steamed.