Utilization of larkspur by sheep
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Authors: M. H. Ralphs, J. E. Bowns, and G. D. Manners
Date: 1991
Journal: Journal of Range Management
Volume: 44
Number: 6
Pages: 619-622
Summary of Methods: A series of studies in three western states looked at using sheep to graze larkspur (Delphinium spp.) plants before cattle were allowed in the area in order to reduce poisoning. The first study examined the consumption of waxy larkspur over four years in southwest Montana. One hundred waxy larkspur plants were identified and marked prior to sheep grazing, which occurred in late June. Following grazing plants were relocated; total stems per plant, number of flowering heads removed and defoliation of leaves was recorded each year. The second study looked at utilization of tall and duncecap larkspur on 4 sites at vegetative, bud and flower growth stages. Amount of larkspur consumed and trampled were measured.
Article Summary / Main Points: • Use of waxy larkspur varied between years and ranged from 14% to 73% with no relation between use and amount of time spent in the area. • Utilization of duncecap larkspur was uniform across the three growth stages, probably due to the close herding (tight group) techniques used. • Percent of sheep use on tall larkspur increased as plants matured.
Vegetation Types: Mountain Shrublands Ponderosa Pine Woodlands Sagebrush Steppe
MLRA Ecoregions: 11 Snake River Plains 43B Central Rocky Mountains 47 Wasatch and Uinta Mountains
Agrovoc Control Words: Weeds Rangelands Livestock
Article Review Type: Refereed
Article Type: Experimental Research
Keywords: delphinium spp, poisonous plant, sheep grazing, sheep herding, biological control, weed utilization, trampling, targeted grazing
Annotation: Herding and bedding sheep in the weed infestations tend in order to increase utilization and trampling and thereby decreasing potential for poisoning of cattle when they follow sheep grazing.
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