Grazing Management Practices Affect Lifestock Losses from Poisonous Plants

Abstract

Moderate stocking with cattle, sheep, and goats in a 4-pasture deferred-rotation system or light continuous stocking with cattle, sheep, and goats prevented livestock poisoning by bitterweed (Hymenoxys odorata), shinoak (Quercus mohriana), liveoak (Q. virginiana), and sacahuista (Nolina texana) over a 20-year period. Heavy stocking rates generally increased the incidence of poisoning. Using combinations of livestock reduced incidence of bitterweed and sacahuista poisoning, but not oak poisoning. The findings are attributed to better range conditions and forage variety under continuous light stocking and moderate stocking with a 4-pasture deferred-rotation system than under continuous stocking at moderate and heavy rates.