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Abstract

Lupines (Lupinus spp.) are a common plant species located on western U.S. rangelands. Most livestock death losses due to lupine toxicosis occur in sheep. Cattle are often affected due to the teratogenic nature of lupines in which crooked calf syndrome can occur. Earwax has been used to detect lupine alkaloids in cattle, but it is unknown if the alkaloids in lupine can be detected in the earwax of sheep. The objective of this study was to evaluate earwax as a noninvasive specimen to determine sheep exposure to lupine. Fifteen sheep (45 ± 3.8 kg body weight) were group housed and maintained on alfalfa hay with ad libitum access to fresh water and trace mineral salt. Sheep were randomly assigned to one of two groups. In Group 1, earwax samples were collected from sheep (n=7) prior to initial dosing with L. leucophyllus and on days 3, 10, 20 and 30 post dosing and ears were wiped clean after each collection. In Group 2, ears were not cleaned prior to dosing and earwax was collected from sheep (n=8) 3-days after dosing to simulate an animal that had been exposed to lupine in the field. Sheep were orally gavaged with L. leucophyllus at 2.4 g plant/kg body weight using dried, ground plant material. Anagyrine and lupanine were the major alkaloids in the L. leucophyllus administered to the sheep in this study. Lupanine and anagyrine were detected in the earwax in both groups. Diagnosing livestock deaths caused by poisonous plants can be difficult. Earwax is a viable sample for the diagnosis of consumption of lupine in sheep.

Corresponding Author

Clinton A. Stonecipher 1150 East 1400 North Logan, UT 84341 clint.stonecipher@usda.gov

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