Loco Plant Poisoning in Sheep

Abstract

This report includes data on utilization of loco plant by sheep on winter range, a comparison of the toxicity of loco plant to sheep of different ages, influence of supplementation on the incidence of locoism, and a detailed review of the literature on locoweed poisoning in sheep. Sheep grazed locoweed readily even though other good forage and supplements were available. The amount of locoweed they consumed increased throughout the experiment. At the end (12 weeks), sheep were eating primarily locoweed and shadscale and were severely "locoed." Signs of poisoning were observed first in aged ewes and lambs. Presently the prevention of loco poisoning on winter desert ranges lies in avoiding loco-infested areas almost entirely.