Cattle and sheep are susceptible to intoxication and death from consumption of halogeton, but cases of large scale poisoning of cattle are rare compared to sheep. Most losses occur when hungry and thirsty animals are allowed to consume large amounts of halogeton. The toxic substance in halogeton is sodium oxalate, which is contained in leaves and other above ground parts of the plant. Halogeton is dangerous at all times. It becomes more toxic as the growing season advances, reaching a peak of toxicity at maturity.
Livestock readily graze halogeton.
Grazing management for halogeton involves procedures to prevent accidental poisoning of the grazing animals, and management to encourage the density and vigor of competing perennial vegetation to biologically suppress halogeton. Where and When it Grows Halogeton often grows along railroad beds, roads, trails, and in other places where the soil has been disturbed. Dense stands are found on burned-over areas, overgrazed ranges, dry lakebeds, and abandoned dry farms. Halogeton however, lacks the capacity to compete with vigorous perennial plants and the more aggressive annuals. Halogeton is a prolific seed producer.