This plant has caused a number of problems in cattle, horses, and sheep. Swainsonine, an indolizidine alkaloid, inhibits alpha-mannosidase in animal bodies, which can lead to disruption of cellular function.
Locoism is a chronic disease that causes depression, incoordination, and nervousness under stress.
Death can result. The cellular problems occur most readily in tissues of the nervous system. Pregnant animals often abort or give birth to young with congenital deformities. These images or illustrations are provided courtesy of Drs. Dan Brown , Robert Hillman and Mary Smith of Cornell University.