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Planktonic Algae
Chlamydomonas, Chlorella, Euglena, Closterium,
Anacystis spp., etc.
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| Picture courtesty of Texas A&M University |
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| Picture courtesy of Texas A&M University |
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| Picture courtesy of Texas A&M University |
Filamentous Algae
Spirogyra, Anabaena, Oscillatoria, Lyngbya,
Pithophora spp., etc.
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| Picture courtsey of Texas A&M University |
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| Picture courtesy of Texas A&M University |
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| Picture courtsey of Texas A&M University |
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| Picture courtesy of Texas A&M University |
Water Algae Can Kill Livestock
Article from The Progressive Farmer August 2007
As the dog days of summer drag on, your animals' drinking water can be a source of toxins if it becomes
infected with blue-green algae. Some blue-green algae can produce nerve toxins called anatoxins, liver toxins called microcystins
and other toxins.
Cattle, dogs or any animals that drink water infected with this algae, especially once it has gone into
its toxin bloom stage, can die in a short period of time - minutes to hours. Not all blue-green algae produces toxins, but
you can't tell the danger level by looking. Toxins can occur in both tanks and ponds.
Certain factors make a toxin bloom more likely. These include: still water, a warm water temperature, high
phosphate/nitrogen levels and sunlight. Algae blooms grow larger and last longer when nutrients are abundant.
However, there are a few ways to limit or stop blue-green algae growth:
- Stop soil erosion. Runoff into ponds and streams carry high doses of phosphorus and nitrogen, especially
in agricultural areas. These feed algae.
- Plant vegetative filters. Maintain or plant vegetation along streambanks to help filter runoff you
can't control.
- Don't let animals defecate in or near waterways. This will make the growth worse by feeding the algae.
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