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Locoweed grazing.

M H Ralphs1, L F James

  • 1USDA/Agriculture Research Service, Poisonous Plant Research Lab., Logan, UT 84341, USA. mralphs@cc.usu.edu

Journal of Natural Toxins
|March 26, 1999
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Locoweed poisoning is a significant livestock issue in the western U.S. Effective management involves understanding plant growth cycles and restricting livestock access during peak palatability periods.

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Area of Science:

  • Range Ecology
  • Toxicology
  • Veterinary Science

Background:

  • Locoweed (Astragalus and Oxytropis species) is a prevalent poisonous plant causing locoism in western U.S. livestock.
  • Plant population dynamics vary, with some species endemic and others exhibiting cyclical population explosions in wet years.
  • Locoweeds are palatable, especially when actively growing in spring and fall, posing a persistent poisoning risk.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To elucidate the ecological factors influencing locoweed prevalence and palatability.
  • To inform livestock management strategies for mitigating locoweed poisoning.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on locoweed species distribution, population dynamics, and palatability.
  • Analysis of environmental conditions affecting locoweed growth and livestock grazing behavior.

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Main Results:

  • Locoweed distribution is influenced by endemicity, habitat niche, and fluctuating environmental conditions (wet vs. drought years).
  • Livestock preferentially graze palatable, actively growing locoweeds over dormant forage during critical late fall, winter, and spring periods.
  • Herbicides can control existing populations, but soil-borne seeds can re-establish locoweed under favorable conditions.

Conclusions:

  • Denying livestock access to locoweeds during periods of high palatability is the most effective management strategy.
  • Integrated approaches combining strategic grazing, range management, and targeted herbicide use are crucial for long-term control.
  • Understanding locoweed ecology is vital for preventing livestock poisoning and ensuring sustainable rangeland use.