The toxicity of Crotalaria spectabilis seed for quail

Crotalaria as a cover crop is gaining attention in our country's conservation program. This genus of the legume or pulse family consists of more than 100 species. Of this number at least six are known to be very toxic to cattle, sheep, and horses. The seeds of Crotalaria spectabilis are poisonous to bob-whites. Under ordinary conditions, however, they are not eaten by the birds when there is a choice of feeding stuffs.