Oxalates
Golden millet forage contains moderate to high levels of oxalates, depending on variety, stage of growth, fertiliser level, the part of the plant used, etc. N fertilized golden millet and golden millet cultivated in association with a legume species had a higher oxalate content (Seawright et al., 1970).
Due to this high oxalate content, golden millet is unsuitable for horses (Moore, 2016) as it causes the "big head disease" (Osteodystrophia fibrosa), a calcium imbalance due to the binding of Ca by oxalates in the horse's intestine. Horses afflicted with big head disease have affected gait, poor performance and swelling of bones of the head (DAF, 2010).
Golden millet has occasionally been reported to cause nephrosis and hypocalcaemia in ruminants though cattle can get used to oxalates (developping adequate rumen flora) and it is possible to alleviate the oxalate effect with a provision of Ca (Moore, 2016; Cook et al., 2005; Boonman, 1993). In Queensland, outbreaks of cattle poisoning were reported in swards containing a high proportion (more than 95%) of golden millet (Moore, 2016; Seawright et al., 1970).