THE SELF-MEDICATIVE BEHAVIOR OF SHEEP

Domestic animals are disadvantaged whenever they are
confined or removed from
natural environments. As stewards we manage
opportunities for diet and parasite control. We can
manage animals more effectively at lower cost by
allowing the animals to use naturally occurring
secondary compounds to their advantage. The
necessary physiology
exists and with adequate exposure the learning
process can be enhanced.
Using tannins to control parasites and enhance
intake of high-alkaloid
plants that can neutralize the negative effects of
tannin could be very effective at maintaining animal
health while controlling cost. There is also an
advantage in planting forages with natural PSM
levels because they can survive under stressful
extremes including drought and heavy grazing which
could help producers meet economic objectives. By
taking these more natural
management approaches in environmentally sensitive

Autorentext

Larry Lisonbee completed a Master of Science degree at Utah State University and continues to investigate applied behavioral psychology.

Klappentext

Domestic animals are disadvantaged whenever they are confined or removed fromnatural environments. As stewards we manage opportunities for diet and parasite control. We can manage animals more effectively at lower cost by allowing the animals to use naturally occurring secondary compounds to their advantage. The necessary physiologyexists and with adequate exposure the learning process can be enhanced.Using tannins to control parasites and enhance intake of high-alkaloidplants that can neutralize the negative effects of tannin could be very effective at maintaining animal health while controlling cost. There is also an advantage in planting forages with natural PSM levels because they can survive under stressful extremes including drought and heavy grazing which could help producers meet economic objectives. By taking these more naturalmanagement approaches in environmentally sensitive