Comparative Pathology of Astragalus (Locoweed) and Swainsona Poisoning in Sheep

Abstract

The toxic effect on pregnant two of Swainsona galegifolia (collected in Australia) and of Astragalus pubentissimus and A. Ientiginosus (collected in the United States) were compared. The signs of intoxication, vacuolar lesions, and clinicopathologic changes were similar. These similarities suggest that the toxic agent or agents may be the same in both genera. Some sheep fed Astragalus aborted and some delivered deformed lambs while those fed Swainsona did not.