Recovery, germinability and viability of leafy spurge (Euphorbia esula) seeds ingested by sheep and goats
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Authors: J. R. Lacey, R. Wallander, and K. Olson-Rutz
Date: 1992
Journal: Weed Technology
Volume: 6
Number: 3
Pages: 599-602
Summary of Methods: 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.
Article Summary / Main Points:
• Eighteen percent of weed seeds were recovered. Therefore, seeds were digested at a rate of 82%, but germinability of recovered seeds was greatly reduced.
• Sheep reduced seed germinability by 70% and goats reduced it by 56%.
• Viability was reduced by 76% and 59% by sheep and goats, respectively.
• Animals should be confined for 5 days after feeding on weeds in flowering and post flowering stages before being moved to a weed-free pasture to help reduce weed seed spread.Vegetation Types: All Vegetation Types
MLRA Ecoregions: Not Applicable
Agrovoc Control Words: Weeds Grazing Seed dispersal
Article Review Type: Refereed
Article Type: Experimental Research
Keywords: biological control, grazing, weed seed dissemination, digestion, mastication, noxious weed spread, targeted grazing
Annotation: In this pen trial a basal diet of grains could have lead to a faster rate of passage than a roughage diet closer to what grazing animals eat would have.
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