Oxytropis Sericea Research Articles

Seeding Cool-season Grasses to Suppress White Locoweed (Oxytropis Sericea) Reestablishment and Increase Forage Production

Livestock poisoning can occur on short-grass prairies when locoweeds are actively growing in spring before warm-season grasses begin growth. White locoweed grows in early spring, completes flowering and seed production by early summer, and goes dormant. Perennial cool-season grasses may provide competition to suppress locoweed or reduce its reestablishment following control. Furthermore, these grasses may provide alternative palatable forage to livestock early in the spring. The objective of this study was to suppress white locoweed reinvasion by seeding cool-season grasses at two mixed-grass and two short-grass prairie sites. White locoweed and associated species were controlled with glyphosate (1.1 kg ai/ha) and picloram (0.38 kg ae/ha) in 3 by 15 m plots. The plots were seeded to ‘CDII’ crested wheatgrass, ‘Vavilov’ Siberian wheatgrass, ‘Luna’ pubescent wheatgrass, ‘Bozoisky’ Russian wildrye, smooth brome, ‘NewHy’ wheatgrass, sideoats grama, and ‘Immigrant’ forage kochia. In addition, a native grass pl...

Seasonal fluctuations of selenium and sulfur accumulation in selenium hyperaccumulators and related nonaccumulators

Some plants hyperaccumulate selenium (Se) up to 1% of dry weight. This study was performed to obtain insight into whole-plant Se fluxes in hyperaccumulators. Selenium hyperaccumulators Astragalus bisulcatus and Stanleya pinnata were monitored over two growing seasons for seasonal fluctuations in concentrations of Se and the chemically similar element sulfur (S). The related nonhyperaccumulators Astragalus sericoleucus, Oxytropis sericea and Thlaspi montanum were included for comparison. In both hyperaccumulators leaf Se decreased from April to October, coinciding with Se hyperaccumulation in flowers and seeds. Root Se levels were lowest in summer. Selenium concentration decreased with leaf age in both hyperaccumulators. Leaf S levels peaked in summer in all plant species, as did Se levels in nonhyperaccumulators. Selenium and S levels tended to be negatively correlated in hyperaccumulators, and positively correlated in nonhyperaccumulators. These results suggest a specific flow of Se in hyperaccumulator plants over the growing season, from root to young leaves in spring, followed by remobilization from aging leaves to reproductive tissues in summer, and back to roots in the autumn.

Toxicokinetic profile of swainsonine following exposure to locoweed (Oxytropis sericea) in naïve and previously-exposed sheep

AIM: To determine the toxicokinetic profiles of swainsonine (SW) in sheep previously (subacute) and not previously (acute) exposed to locoweed. METHODS: Twenty-nine wethers were stratified by body-weight (BW; 68.0 (SE 7.6) kg) and randomly assigned to one of six treatments. Treatments were: 0 (n=5), 0.4 (n=5), and 1.6 (n=5) mg SW/kg BW for Trial 1, and 0 (n=4), 0.2 (n=5), and 0.8 (n=5) mg SW/kg BW for Trial 2. Acute exposure in both trials included adaptation to blue grama (Bouteloua gracilis) hay for 14 days and no previous exposure to locoweed (i.e. SW), followed by administration of a single oral dose of SW prepared from an extract of locoweed, in the doses described above. Subacute exposure comprised ingestion of a blue grama and locoweed (428 μg SW/g locoweed) diet for 21 days in Trial 1 and 28 days in Trial 2, followed by removal from locoweed for 5 days, then an oral dose of SW, as above. Quantities of locoweed fed in the diet were adjusted to achieve the dose rates specified for each treatment. Blood samples were collected via jugular venepuncture twice daily for 3 days prior to initial exposure to SW and then every 7 days for the duration of the trials, to monitor serum alkaline phosphatase (Alk-P) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activities. For intensive sampling periods, SW was administered immediately following blood sampling at 0 h, and blood samples were collected at hourly intervals from 0–12 h, 3-h intervals from 15–24 h, 6-h intervals from 30–48 h, and 12-h intervals from 60–168 h. Concentrations of SW in serum and locoweed extract were determined using the α-mannosidase inhibition assay (detection limit = 25 ng/ml). Rates of absorption and elimination of SW from serum were calculated for each animal, using exponential curve fits of the concentration of SW in serum concentration vs time plots. RESULTS: In both trials, SW was detected in serum in all animals exposed to locoweed. Elevated (p<0.05) serum Alk-P and AST activities indicated that subclinical SW intoxication was induced during the subacute exposure phase. Calculated rates of elimination were faster (p<0.001) for the 1.6 vs 0.4 (Trial 1) and 0.8 vs 0.2 (Trial 2) mg SW/kg BW doses. Rates of elimination indicated that, in both trials, SW was removed from serum faster (p<0.06) following acute exposure than subacute exposure. Higher exposure rates to SW resulted in higher concentrations of SW in serum within a trial. CONCLUSIONS: Multiple compartments were involved in the kinetics of SW, and dose and previous exposure altered the toxicokinetics of SW. CLININCAL RELEVANCE: Should the true elimination half-life prove to be as high or higher than the 95 h demonstrated for the treatment using 0.4 mg SW/kg BW in Trial 1, then withdrawal periods for clearing SW from sheep should be >40 days (assuming 10 half-lives to clear the compound).

Maternal ingestion of locoweed: I. Effects on ewe–lamb bonding and behaviour

This study investigated whether exposure of ewes to locoweed ( Oxytropis sericea; Leguminosae) during gestation would affect ewe behaviour during parturition, ewe–lamb bonding and related behaviours postpartum, and maternal responsiveness of ewes to alien and own lambs. Twenty-nine nulliparous Columbia-Targhee ewes bearing a single fetus were divided into two feeding treatments: (1) locoweed ( L, n = 15), fed as a 10% locoweed pellet at 3 kg/day from day 100 to 130 of gestation, or (2) controls ( C, n = 14) fed 3 kg/day of alfalfa hay. Lamb birth weights were reduced about 25% ( P < 0.001) from maternal locoweed ingestion. There was a distinct lack of maternal–infant bonding due to locoweed intoxication of lambs. Only 1 lamb born to L ewes was able to nurse without assistance within 120 min. Lambs born to L ewes took longer to stand ( P < 0.05), to initiate teat-seeking behaviour ( P < 0.03), and to suckle ( P < 0.0007). The behavioural toxicosis did not persist in lambs, as behavioural anomalies largely disappeared within 10 days following parturition. Locoweed-intoxicated ewes in general had an increased propensity ( P < 0.1) for locomotor activity, notably during fetal expulsion, and longer fetal expulsion times ( P < 0.1). There were few behavioural differences induced by locoweed up to 30 min postpartum, when L ewes became inattentive to lambs ( P < 0.1). After the first (human assisted) suckling bout, L ewes were attentive toward both their own and alien lambs. Both L and C dams were equally aggressive toward alien lambs. These results indicate that lamb survival after maternal locoweed exposure will depend greatly on human intervention. If locoweed-exposed lambs survive the first 24–48 h after birth, then the prognosis for survival improves greatly.

Locoweed (Oxytropis sericea)—induced Lesions in Mule Deer (Odocoileius hemionus)

Locoweed poisoning has been reported in wildlife, but it is unknown whether mule deer (Odocoileius hemionus) are susceptible. In areas that are heavily infested with locoweed, deer and elk (Cervus elaphus nelsoni) have developed a spongiform encephalopathy, chronic wasting disease (CWD). Although these are distinct diseases, no good comparisons are available. The purpose of this study was to induce and describe chronic locoweed poisoning in deer and compare it with the lesions of CWD. Two groups of four mule deer were fed either a complete pelleted ration or a similar ration containing 15% locoweed (Oxytropis sericea). Poisoned deer lost weight and developed a scruffy, dull coat. They developed reluctance to move, and movement produced subtle intention tremors. Poisoned deer had extensive vacuolation of visceral tissues, which was most severe in the exocrine pancreas. Thyroid follicular epithelium, renal tubular epithelium, and macrophages in many tissues were mildly vacuolated. The exposed deer also had mild neuronal swelling and cytoplasmic vacuolation that was most obvious in Purkinje cells. Axonal swelling and dystrophy was found in many white tracts, but it was most severe in the cerebellar peduncles and the gracilis and cuneate fasciculi. These findings indicate that deer are susceptible to locoweed poisoning, but the lesions differ in severity and distribution from those of other species. The histologic changes of locoweed poisoning are distinct from those of CWD in deer; however, the clinical presentation of locoweed poisoning in deer is similar. Histologic and immunohistochemical studies are required for a definitive diagnosis.

Maternal ingestion of locoweed: III. Effects on lamb behaviour at birth

Locoweed ( Oxytropis sericea) is a toxic plant commonly found on rangelands in the western United States. The locoweed toxin is an indolizidine alkaloid, swainsonine that causes neurological and systemic damage. The objective of this study was to determine if feeding of locoweed to pregnant ewes during days 100–130 of gestation would affect lamb behaviour shortly after birth. Twenty yearling nulliparous Columbia–Targhee ewes were divided into two treatment groups: loco ewes fed a 10% locoweed ( O. sericea) pellet; control ewes were fed alfalfa pellets. Locoweed pellets contained 0.01 mg/g swainsonine with a mean consumption of 0.32 mg swainsonine (kg −1 day −1 ewe −1). Lambs from the two groups did not differ in birth weight ( P = 0.35), primarily because four control ewes had live twins whereas loco ewes had only live singles. Loco lambs were slower ( P < 0.01) in latency from birth to first successful standing event compared to control lambs (65 min versus 22 min, respectively). None of the loco lambs successfully nursed their dams up to 120 min post partum, whereas control lambs all sucked successfully at 35 min ( P < 0.01). Loco lambs had slower ( P < 0.01) times ( x ¯ = 164 s versus 11 s, respectively) through a progressive maze on days 2, 4, and 6 compared to control lambs. Loco lambs were also much slower ( P < 0.01) to reach their dams during a barrier test at 12 h post partum compared to controls (193 s versus 42 s, respectively). Control lambs discriminated their dams at 12 h post partum whereas most loco lambs did not. In this same test, control lambs spent a higher percentage ( P = 0.03) of their time in close proximity to their dam ( x ¯ = 53 % ) compared to loco lambs ( x ¯ = 19 % ) . Lambs exposed to locoweed in utero for 30 days were intoxicated at birth. Lambs born to loco ewes showed impairments in their behaviour and appeared to demonstrate a weakened maternal infant bonding. Loco lambs would not have survived at birth without human intervention to assist in nursing.

Maternal ingestion of locoweed: II. The ability of intoxicated ewes to discriminate their own lamb

Consumption of locoweed ( Oxytropis sericea) by sheep causes neurotoxicity, but specific behavioral effects have been given little attention. We examined the ability of ewes, exposed to locoweed during gestation and/or lactation, to discriminate their own from alien lambs. Ewes ( n = 6 per treatment group) were fed a locoweed/alfalfa pellet during (1) gestation (day 100–130) (LC) but not during lactation; (2) lactation (day 10–50 postpartum) (CL) but not gestation; (3) both gestation and lactation (LL); controls (CC) were fed alfalfa hay. Ewe behavior was examined in a two-lamb choice test on postpartum days 20, 40, and 50 (days 10, 30, and 40 of locoweed feeding). Locoweed feeding increased ( P < 0.05) serum AST activity and swainsonine concentration compared to controls, indicating moderate intoxication. Discrimination of lambs was not adversely affected by locoweed exposure. Locoweed intoxication during gestation decreased ( P = 0.06) ewe approach times to the first lamb, while locoweed exposure during lactation increased ( P < 0.03) approach times to the first lamb. Ewes not receiving locoweed during lactation (CC, LC) were initially (postpartum day 20) slower to approach their own lambs, but on days 40 and 50 had faster approach times to their own lambs compared to CL and LL ewes. Intoxicated ewes displayed an apparent locoweed-induced hypersensitivity and nervousness; these lactating ewes spent a greater percentage of time with their lambs after contact than did controls on postpartum day 50. If clinical signs of toxicity are not severe, culling intoxicated ewes for behavioral reasons may not be warranted.

Predicting Spatial Distribution of White Locoweed (Oxytropis sericea) in the Maxwell Ranch, Larimer County, Colorado

Predicting Spatial Distribution of White Locoweed (Oxytropis sericea) in the Maxwell Ranch, Larimer County, Colorado

Appearance and disappearance of swainsonine in serum and milk of lactating ruminants with nursing young following a single dose exposure to swainsonine (locoweed; Oxytropis sericea)12

A series of experiments were conducted to investigate the elimination of swainsonine in the milk of lactating ruminants following a single dose oral exposure to swainsonine (locoweed; Oxytropis sericea) and to assess subsequent subclinical effects on the mothers and their nursing young. In a preliminary experiment, lactating ewes were gavaged with locoweed providing 0.8 mg swainsonine/kg BW (n = 4; BW = 75.8 ± 3.6 kg; lactation = d 45) and lactating cows were offered up to 2.0 mg swainsonine/kg BW free choice (n = 16; BW = 389.6 ± 20.9 kg; lactation = d 90). Serum and milk were collected at h 0 (before treatment), 3, 6, 12, and 24 for ewes, and h 0 (before treatment), 6, 12, 18, and 24 for cows. Swainsonine was highest (P < 0.05) by h 6 in the serum and milk of ewes. Consumption of at least 0.61 mg swainsonine/kg BW induced consistent (> 0.025 μg/mL) appearance of swainsonine in cow serum and milk. In response to the results obtained in the preliminary experiment, a subsequent experiment utilizing lactating ewes (n = 13; BW = 74.8 ± 6.4 kg; lactation = d 30) and cows (n = 13; BW = 460.8 ± 51.9 kg; lactation = d 90) was conducted. Each lactating ruminant was gavaged with a locoweed extract to provide 0 (control), 0.2, or 0.8 mg swainsonine/kg BW and individually penned with her nursing young. Serum and milk from the mothers and serum from the nursing young were collected at h 0 (before treatment), 3, 6, 9, 12, 24 and 48 (an additional sample was obtained at h 72 for ewes and lambs). Serum and milk swainsonine was higher (P < 0.05) in the 0.8 mg treated groups and maximal (P < 0.05) concentrations occurred from h 3 to 6 for ewes and h 6 to 12 h for cows (P < 0.05). Rises in alkaline phosphatase activity indicated subclinical toxicity in the treated ewes (P < 0.05). Following a single dose oral exposure to 0.2 and 0.8 mg swainsonine/kg BW provided by a locoweed extract, swainsonine was detected in the serum and milk of lactating ewes and cows, and rises in serum alkaline phosphatase activity were observed in the ewes. Neither swainsonine nor changes in alkaline phosphatase activity was detected in the serum of the lambs and calves nursing the ewes and cows dosed with swainsonine.

Prior Feeding Practices Do Not Influence Locoweed Consumption

Anecdotal evidence suggests that cattle fed alfalfa hay during the winter are inclined to graze locoweed on spring range. Two studies were conducted to compare the influence of feeding alfalfa hay vs grass hay during the winter on subsequent consumption of white locoweed (Oxytropis sericea Nutt. ex T&G) in the spring. Eight cows were daily fed alfalfa hay (15.2% CP in 1998, 17.1% CP in 2000) and 8 cows were daily fed grass hay (10.7% CP in 1998, 12.1% CP in 2000) plus 20% protein molasses block during the January-April winter feeding period. Treatment groups grazed in separate pastures (8 ha) on white locoweed-infested range in May and June in northern Colorado in 1998 and in northeast New Mexico in 2000. Diets were estimated by bite count. There was no difference in locoweed consumption between the 2 groups (P > 0.22). Cattle grazed locoweed for 5% of diets in Colorado and 10% of diets in New Mexico. Feeding alfalfa hay over winter did not predispose cattle to graze locoweed in the spring. Previous research showed other feeding practices or supplements do not affect locoweed consumption or poisoning. Prevention of locoweed poisoning requires denying access to locoweed when it is relatively more palatable than associated forages. DOI:10.2458/azu_jrm_v55i4_ralphs

Clipping and Precipitation Influences on Locoweed Vigor, Mortality, and Toxicity

White locoweed (Oxytropis sericea Nutt. in TG older/large > 7 stalks (n = 50 in each class). Pairs of plants within each age class that were as similar as possible were selected, and 1 of each pair (n = 25) was clipped at ground level annually for 4 years. Vigor indices included number of stalks, number of flowering heads, leaf length, and flowering head height. Mortality was recorded and the toxic alkaloid swainsonine was measured. Clipping did not consistently reduce vigor. Flowering heads/plant declined in most clipped plants (P < 0.05), but stalks/plant declined only in large clipped plants in Utah and small clipped plants in New Mexico (P < 0.01), and clipping did not greatly affect leaf length or flowering head height. Clipping did not increase mortality, and did not affect swainsonine concentration. However, there was a natural die-off that may have been related to precipitation. There were negative correlations between precipitation and locoweed mortality (r = -0.42 to -0.84), with most of the marked plants dying during the recent drought. Grazing locoweed for short periods would likely not affect its vigor or toxicity, but its population dynamics were affected by drought. DOI:10.2458/azu_jrm_v55i4_ralphs2

Influence of Beef Breeds (Brangus, Charolais, or Hereford) on Locoweed Consumption

<h2>ABSTRACT</h2> Oxytropis sericea and Astragulus mollissimus (commonly referred to as locoweeds) are responsible for significant monetary losses annually to producers in the western United States. Therefore, a study was conducted over 2 yr to evaluate the influence of beef breeds (Brangus, Charolais, and Hereford) on locoweed consumption. Twenty-one steers (seven per breed group) were used initially in each year of the study on pastures located near Sofia, NM in yr 1 and on pastures located near Des Moines, NM in yr 2. Steers were placed in separate pastures for each breed (3 pastures/yr) and were rotated through pastures on a weekly basis. Number of bites taken of cool and warm season grasses, forbs, and locoweed were recorded daily for each steer. Blood samples were collected on d 0, 7, 21, and 28 for determination of serum alkaline phosphatase. A breed x year interaction (P < 0.10) was observed for locoweed consumption. During yr 1, Brangus cattle consumed more locoweed during wk 1 of the study than Charolais or Herefords (12, 2, and 3% of bites recorded for Brangus, Charolais, and Hereford, respectively). During yr 2, Brangus cattle consumed more (P < 0.10) locoweed during wk 1 (15, 2, and 0%), wk 2 (6, 1, and 1%), and wk 3 (9, 4, and 0% for Brangus, Charolais, and Hereford, respectively) of the experiment compared with Charolais and Hereford cattle. No differences were noted among breeds for serum alkaline phosphatase (<b>AP</b>) concentrations during yr 1. Serum AP was increased (P < 0.01) for Brangus versus Charolais and Hereford on d 7 and 14 during yr 2. Results suggest that differences among breeds exist for locoweed consumption.

Appearance and disappearance of swainsonine in serum and milk of lactating ruminants with nursing young following a single dose exposure to swainsonine (locoweed; Oxytropis sericea).

A series of experiments were conducted to investigate the elimination of swainsonine in the milk of lactating ruminants following a single dose oral exposure to swainsonine (locoweed; Oxytropis sericea) and to assess subsequent subclinical effects on the mothers and their nursing young. In a preliminary experiment, lactating ewes were gavaged with locoweed providing 0.8 mg swainsonine/kg BW (n = 4; BW = 75.8 +/- 3.6 kg; lactation = d 45) and lactating cows were offered up to 2.0 mg swainsonine/kg BW free choice (n = 16; BW = 389.6 +/- 20.9 kg; lactation = d 90). Serum and milk were collected at h 0 (before treatment), 3, 6, 12, and 24 for ewes, and h 0 (before treatment), 6, 12, 18, and 24 for cows. Swainsonine was highest (P < 0.05) by h 6 in the serum and milk of ewes. Consumption of at least 0.61 mg swainsonine/kg BW induced consistent (> 0.025 microg/mL) appearance of swainsonine in cow serum and milk. In response to the results obtained in the preliminary experiment, a subsequent experiment utilizing lactating ewes (n = 13; BW = 74.8 +/- 6.4 kg; lactation = d 30) and cows (n = 13; BW = 460.8 +/- 51.9 kg; lactation = d 90) was conducted. Each lactating ruminant was gavaged with a locoweed extract to provide 0 (control), 0.2, or 0.8 mg swainsonine/kg BW and individually penned with her nursing young. Serum and milk from the mothers and serum from the nursing young were collected at h 0 (before treatment), 3, 6, 9, 12, 24 and 48 (an additional sample was obtained at h 72 for ewes and lambs). Serum and milk swainsonine was higher (P < 0.05) in the 0.8 mg treated groups and maximal (P < 0.05) concentrations occurred from h 3 to 6 for ewes and h 6 to 12 h for cows (P < 0.05). Rises in alkaline phosphatase activity indicated subclinical toxicity in the treated ewes (P < 0.05). Following a single dose oral exposure to 0.2 and 0.8 mg swainsonine/kg BW provided by a locoweed extract, swainsonine was detected in the serum and milk of lactating ewes and cows, and rises in serum alkaline phosphatase activity were observed in the ewes. Neither swainsonine nor changes in alkaline phosphatase activity was detected in the serum of the lambs and calves nursing the ewes and cows dosed with swainsonine.

Conditioning taste aversions to locoweed (Oxytropis sericea) in horses.

Locoweed (Oxytropis sericea) is a serious poisoning problem for horses grazing on infested rangelands in the western United States. Our objectives were to determine 1) whether lithium chloride or apomorphine would condition aversions to palatable foods, and at what doses, and 2) whether horses could be averted to fresh locoweed in a pen and grazing situation. Apomorphine was not an acceptable aversive agent because at the dose required to condition an aversion (> or = 0.17 mg/kg BW), apomorphine induced unacceptable behavioral effects. Lithium chloride given via stomach tube at 190 mg/kg BW conditioned strong and persistent aversions to palatable feeds with minor signs of distress. Pen and grazing tests were conducted in Colorado to determine if horses could be averted to fresh locoweed. Pen tests indicated that most horses (5/6) were completely averted from locoweed. Treated horses ate 34 g of fresh locoweed compared to 135 g for controls (P < 0.01) during three pen tests when offered 150 g per test. One horse (T) in the treatment group ate locoweed each time it was offered in the pen, but ate no locoweed while grazing. In the grazing trial, control horses averaged 8.6% of bites of locoweed (P < 0.01) during the grazing portion of the study, whereas treated horses averaged <0.5%. One treated horse (S) accounted for all consumption; he consumed 15% of his bites as locoweed in a grazing bout on d 2 of the field study. Thereafter, he was dosed a second time with lithium chloride and ate no locoweed in the subsequent 5 d. Three of six horses required two pairings of lithium chloride with fresh locoweed to condition a complete aversion. The results of this study indicate that horses can be averted from locoweed using lithium chloride as an aversive agent, and this may provide a management tool to reduce the risk of intoxication for horses grazing locoweed-infested rangeland.

Clipping and precipitation influences on locoweed vigor, mortality, and toxicity

White locoweed (Oxytropis sericea Nutt. in TG) is widespread throughout the short-grass prairies and mountain grasslands and causes chronic poisoning of cattle, sheep, and horses. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of clipping (simulated grazing) on vigor, mortality and toxic alkaloid concentration of white locoweed. One hundred locoweed plants were marked at each of 3 locations (New Mexico, Colorado, and Utah). Plants were stratified into 2 age/size classes: young/small &lt; 5 stalks; older/large &gt; 7 stalks (n = 50 in each class). Pairs of plants within each age class that were as similar as possible were selected, and 1 of each pair (n = 25) was clipped at ground level annually for 4 years. Vigor indices included number of stalks, number of flowering heads, leaf length, and flowering head height. Mortality was recorded and the toxic alkaloid swainsonine was measured. Clipping did not consistently reduce vigor. Flowering heads/plant declined in most clipped plants (P &lt; 0.05), but stalks/plant declined only in large clipped plants in Utah and small clipped plants in New Mexico (P &lt; 0.01), and clipping did not greatly affect leaf length or flowering head height. Clipping did not increase mortality, and did not affect swainsonine concentration. However, there was a natural die-off that may have been related to precipitation. There were negative correlations between precipitation and locoweed mortality (r = -0.42 to -0.84), with most of the marked plants dying during the recent drought. Grazing locoweed for short periods would likely not affect its vigor or toxicity, but its population dynamics were affected by drought.

Prior feeding practices do not influence locoweed consumption

Anecdotal evidence suggests that cattle fed alfalfa hay during the winter are inclined to graze locoweed on spring range. Two studies were conducted to compare the influence of feeding alfalfa hay vs grass hay during the winter on subsequent consumption of white locoweed (Oxytropis sericea Nutt. ex TG) in the spring. Eight cows were daily fed alfalfa hay (15.2% CP in 1998, 17.1% CP in 2000) and 8 cows were daily fed grass hay (10.7% CP in 1998, 12.1% CP in 2000) plus 20% protein molasses block during the January-April winter feeding period. Treatment groups grazed in separate pastures (8 ha) on white locoweed-infested range in May and June in northern Colorado in 1998 and in northeast New Mexico in 2000. Diets were estimated by bite count. There was no difference in locoweed consumption between the 2 groups (P &gt; 0.22). Cattle grazed locoweed for 5% of diets in Colorado and 10% of diets in New Mexico. Feeding alfalfa hay over winter did not predispose cattle to graze locoweed in the spring. Previous research showed other feeding practices or supplements do not affect locoweed consumption or poisoning. Prevention of locoweed poisoning requires denying access to locoweed when it is relatively more palatable than associated forages.

Analysis of swainsonine: extraction methods, detection, and measurement in populations of locoweeds (Oxytropis spp.).

An analytical method has been developed to measure the locoweed toxin, swainsonine, in locoweed plant material. Dry ground plant samples were extracted using a small-scale liquid/liquid extraction procedure followed by isolation of the swainsonine by solid phase extraction with a cation-exchange resin. Detection and quantitation of the swainsonine were accomplished using reversed phase high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to atmospheric pressure chemical ionization tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS(2)). The limit of quantitation was estimated to be 0.001% swainsonine by weight in dry plant material, which corresponds to the lower threshold for toxicity of locoweeds. The method of analysis was applied to the analysis of Oxytropis sericea (white locoweed) and Oxytropis lambertii (Lambert locoweed) plant samples to measure the variability of individual plant swainsonine levels within populations and within species. Individual plant variability was found to be highly significant for both O. sericea and O. lambertii populations. The combined three-year mean swainsonine values taken from three populations of O. sericea ranged from 0.046% in Utah to 0.097% in a New Mexico population. Sixteen individual populations of O. lambertii were sampled from eight different U.S. states. Swainsonine was detected at levels >0.001% in only 5 of the 16 collection sites. Those populations of O. lambertii found to contain higher swainsonine levels were restricted to the most southern and western portion of its distribution, and all were identified as belonging to var. bigelovii, whereas var. articulata and var. lambertii samples contained swainsonine at levels <0.001%.

Research Observation: Cattle Preference for Lambert Locoweed over White Locoweed

White (Oxytropis sericea Nutt. in T.& G.) and Lambert (O. lambertii var. biglovii Pursh) locoweed grow adjacent to each other on the foothills of the Rocky Mountains from southeastern Wyoming to northeastern New Mexico. Lambert locoweed matures later and flowers about 3‐4 weeks after white locoweed, thus potentially increasing the critical period of poisoning when livestock graze areas infested by both species. The objective of this study was to evaluate cattle consumption of these 2 species as they progress phenologically. In 1998, 15 Hereford cows grazed a 32 ha pasture infested with both species from the time white locoweed flowered in mid June until both species were mature and senesced in August. In 1999, 4 cows were placed in a 5 ha pasture infested with both species for 4 days in each of the following periods: (1) flower stage of white locoweed, (2) flower stage of Lambert locoweed, immature pod at white locoweed, (3) immature pod stage of Lambert locoweed, mature pod while (4) mature pod and seed shatter stage respectively. Diets were estimated by bite-count. Lambert locoweed was preferred over white locoweed in the season-long grazing trial in 1998, and in each of the 4 intensive grazing trials in 1999. The cows consumed white locoweed as availability of Lambert locoweed declined in 1998, but little white locoweed was consumed in the 4 intensive grazing trials in 1999. The toxic locoweed alkaloid swainsonine ranged from 0.04 to 0.06% in white locoweed, but was not detected in Lambert locoweed in this study.

Cattle preferences for Lambert locoweed over white locoweed

White (Oxytropis sericea Nutt. in T. G.) and Lambert (O. lambertii var. biglovii Pursh) locoweed grow adjacent to each other on the foothills of the Rocky Mountains from southeastern Wyoming to northeastern New Mexico. Lambert locoweed matures later and flowers about 3-4 weeks after white locoweed, thus potentially increasing the critical period of poisoning when livestock graze areas infested by both species. The objective of this study was to evaluate cattle consumption of these 2 species as they progress phenologically. In 1998, 15 Hereford cows grazed a 32 ha pasture infested with both species from the time white locoweed flowered in mid June until both species were mature and senesced in August. In 1999, 4 cows were placed in a 5 ha pasture infested with both species for 4 days in each of the following periods: (1) flower stage of white locoweed, (2) flower stage of Lambert locoweed, immature pod at white locoweed, (3) immature pod stage of Lambert locoweed, mature pod while (4) mature pod and seed shatter stage respectively. Diets were estimated by bite-count. Lambert locoweed was preferred over white locoweed in the season-long grazing trial in 1998, and in each of the 4 intensive grazing trials in 1999. The cows consumed white locoweed as availability of Lambert locoweed declined in 1998, but little white locoweed was consumed in the 4 intensive grazing trials in 1999. The toxic locoweed alkaloid swainsonine ranged from 0.04 to 0.06% in white locoweed, but was not detected in Lambert locoweed in this study.

Current and Future Costs of Reproduction in Oxytropis sericea, a Perennial Plant from the Colorado Rocky Mountains, U.S.A.

We studied tradeoffs among current reproduction, vegetative growth, and resource storage, and the consequences of such tradeoffs for future growth and reproduction in an alpine tundra population of long-lived iteroparous herb, Oxytropis sericea from the Colorado Rocky Mountains. When plant reproductive effort was manipulated through the removal of inflorescence buds, branching and leaf production increased significantly in the year of treatment but the end-of-season nonstructural carbohydrate content in storage organs (taproots and branches) was not affected. In contrast, plants from which buds were removed, accumulated more nitrogen and phosphorus in their perennial branches (although not in taproots), compared to controls. Bud removal in 1996 and in 1997 led to greater vegetative growth in the following summer, with potential consequences for long term reproductive effort. Addition of mineral fertilizer to flowering individuals in 1996 stimulated some aspects of vegetative growth and reproduction in 1997 indicating that growth in these plants was nutrient-limited. Leaf photosynthetic rates were not affected by the removal of inflorescence buds, inflorescences or infructescences during 1996, but were significantly lower in plants prevented from fruiting in 1997, showing limited evidence for photosynthetic compensation of reproductive effort. We suggest that mineral nutrients, rather than photosynthate, constitute the currency underlying the future costs of reproduction in O. sericea.