Utilization studies conducted on a high mountain range determined the quantity and timing of white locoweed (Oxytropis sericea Nutt.) consumption by cattle. Paired plots (one caged and one grazed) were clipped at the end of the grazing season to determine seasonal utilization. Biweekly visual appraisals were used to estimate percentage leaf grazed and number of reproductive stalks grazed and thus determine utilization patterns as the season progressed. Loco comprised 26% of the standing crop. Thirty-four percent of the available loco was utilized during the grazing season. Loco flower and pods (heads) were preferred to leaves. Utilization of loco heads increased linearly as the season progressed. Loco leaves were not consumed until the last 3 weeks of the grazing season. Loco heads also contained the highest concentration of the toxic alkaloid, swainsonine. This material was digitized as part of a cooperative project between the Society for Range Management and the University of Arizona Libraries. The Journal of Range Management archives are made available by the Society for Range Management and the University of Arizona Libraries. Contact lbry-journals@email.arizona.edu for further information. Migrated from OJS platform August 2020
Scholarly peer-reviewed articles published by the Society for Range Management. Access articles on a rolling-window basis from vol. 1, 1948 up to 5 years from the current year. Formerly Journal of Range Management (JRM). More recent content is available by subscription from SRM.