Selenium accumulation
Rhodes grass is known to be a selenium accumulator, and, when grown on selenium-rich soils, its selenium content can cause mortality or morbidity in livestock (NSWDPI, 2004). Acute toxicity occurs at 3 mg of selenium per kg BW in cattle and causes death within a few days after intoxication, with no known treatment. However, seleniferous plants are not readily eaten by most animals due to their bitter taste and strong odour, and tend to be consumed only when other forage is sparse (Cornell University, 2014).