Locoweeds
Locoweeds are a group of plants belonging to the genera Astragalus and Oxytropis. These plants are known for their toxic properties, particularly their ability to cause a neurological disorder in livestock called "locoism." The toxicity is primarily due to the presence of swainsonine, a potent alkaloid that inhibits alpha-mannosidase, an enzyme crucial for cellular metabolism.
Locoism manifests in various ways depending on the species consumed, the amount ingested, and the duration
The term "locoweed" is commonly applied to several species, including spotted locoweed (Astragalus lentiginosus), purple locoweed
Management of locoweeds involves various strategies to minimize livestock exposure. This can include pasture rotation, supplementary