K ikuyu grass ( Pennisetum clandestinum ) is a perennial pasture species with a spring to autumn growth habit. Although it is usually grazed without ill effect, spasmodic incidents of poisoning in cattle 1 and, to a much lesser extent, sheep 2 and goats, 3 have been encountered. The aetiology and pathogenesis of kikuyu poisoning remains poorly understood. Outbreaks are characteristically acute ...