In a short term study, sheep and goats were fed alfalfa and barley mixed with leafy spurge seeds (3000, or 1500) to determine the recovery, germinability and viability of the weed seeds after passage through the gastrointestinal tract. Fecal material from sheep and goats was collected for 6 to 11 days after seeds were fed, respectively or until no seeds were recovered for two consecutive days. Samples were washed through a 0.99 mm screen to separate out the leafy spurge seeds. Sub-samples of the seeds were then tested for viability and germination rates.
Citations and enhanced abstracts for journals articles and documents focused on rangeland ecology and management. RSIS is a collaboration between Montana State University, University of Idaho, and University of Wyoming.