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
