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ARS Home » Pacific West Area » Logan, Utah » Poisonous Plant Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #287690
Title: Management practices to reduce lupine-induced Crooked Calf Syndrome in the Northwest

Author
item Panter, Kip
item GAY, CLIVE - Washington State University
item CLINESMITH, ROY - Ranch Management Consultants
item PLATT, TOM - Washington State University Extension Service

Submitted to: Rangelands
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 1/13/2013
Publication Date: 4/1/2013
Citation: Panter, K.E., Gay, C.C., Clinesmith, R., Platt, T.E. 2013. Management practices to reduce lupine-induced Crooked Calf Syndrome in the Northwest. Rangelands. 35(2): 12-6.

Interpretive Summary: Lupine-induced “Crooked Calf Syndrome” (CCS) is a descriptive term used to define skeletal birth defects and cleft palate in calves born to pregnant cows after having ingested specific lupines during gestation days 40-100. Lupine-induced CCS is particularly problematic to cattle producers in the northwestern U.S. and 1-5% incidence is common with much higher, even catastrophic, losses occurring occasionally on individual ranches. Research information and management recommendations have been reported that will reduce losses and improve rangeland utilization in this region.

Technical Abstract: Many factors contribute to the incidence of lupine-induced “Crooked Calf Syndrome” (CCS) in the northwestern U.S. A 1-5% incidence of CCS is common on many ranches and higher incidences occur when environmental conditions are conducive to lupine population increases. Multiple management strategies such as altered breeding schedules, intermittent grazing, fall calving, herbicide controls, grazing stockers have been reported to reduce the incidence of CCS. These management recommendations are known to reduce the impact of CCS and may be tailored to individual ranches.