Location: Poisonous Plant Research
Title: Cattle toxicity from woolly locoweed (Astragalus mollissimus): a case study in central New MexicoAuthor
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SPACKMAN, CASEY - New Mexico State University |
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Stonecipher, Clinton - Clint |
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Cook, Daniel |
Submitted to: Poisonous Plant Research
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal Publication Acceptance Date: 5/22/2024 Publication Date: 6/20/2024 Citation: Spackman, C., Stonecipher, C.A., Cook, D. 2024. Cattle toxicity from woolly locoweed (Astragalus mollissimus): a case study in central New Mexico. Poisonous Plant Research. 7:3-7. DOI: https://doi.org/10.26077/0112-c12c Interpretive Summary: Livestock toxicity from poisonous plants poses a significant challenge for ranchers, particularly locoweeds (Astragalus spp. or Oxytropis spp.). This study investigated a case of cattle poisoning in central New Mexico, where clinical signs were consistent with locoweed toxicity. Rangeland conditions were hot and dry following earlier spring rains, promoting advantageous environmental conditions for a locoweed outbreak. Locoweed (A. mollissimus) and animal samples from the ranch were analyzed confirming the presence of swainsonine, a key toxin in locoweeds. It can be concluded that the likely cause of cattle losses was locoweed toxicity, highlighting the need for proactive management strategies when environmental conditions are conducive to increases in locoweed populations. Technical Abstract: Livestock toxicity from poisonous plants poses a significant challenge for ranchers, particularly locoweeds (Astragalus spp. or Oxytropis spp.). This study investigated a case of cattle poisoning in central New Mexico, where clinical signs were consistent with locoweed toxicity. Rangeland conditions were hot and dry following earlier spring rains, promoting advantageous environmental conditions for a locoweed outbreak. Locoweed (A. mollissimus) and animal samples from the ranch were analyzed confirming the presence of swainsonine, a key toxin in locoweeds. It can be concluded that the likely cause of cattle losses was locoweed toxicity, highlighting the need for proactive management strategies when environmental conditions are conducive to increases in locoweed populations. |