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[RC] RC: Tarweed - Carol Suggs

Penelope:
 
Unfortunately tarweed is a normal thing for us to deal with.  We have a 515 acre ranch and I would guess that 1/3 or more of it has tarweed on it.  It doesn't compete with the seasonal grasses so there is really no reason for us to try and eradicate it.  We just have to put up with the stickyness of the plant for 1/2 a year.  If I am horse showing I do not turn my horses out in it because they all have "chrome" which turns a yuchy black color and very sticky and hard to wash out.  I have found that putting showsheen on my horses face and legs seems to help (pre tarweed contact) and that dawn dish detergent helps (post tarweed contact).  Neither the horses or cattle will eat the darn stuff, however I do have a gelding who will occassionally munch on it if he is bored, and I have never noticed any odd side effect (especially loss of weight, this guy is a total tank).
 
So its pretty unlikely that he is eating the tarweed (but you never know).  Have you tried giving him a probiotic?  This might get his gut back in check, and I would try feeding him something like an all in one feed in additional to GOOD quality hay.  How is your worming schedule?
 
Regarding getting rid of the tarweed....good luck!  We mow it/or weed whack it around our house. We just kinda have learned to live with the stuff.   Roundup may work, but then you'd have to keep your animals out of the area in which you sprayed.
 
Good Luck!
 
Carol-Mariposa, CA
 
 
 
 
Carol Suggs
Mariposa Financial Services
209-742-5466 Voice
209-742-5469 Fax