Apples - Not too ripe yet!

Saffy · Post by **Saffy** » Sat Jul 18, 2009 9:08 am

A question about apple eating - Dexters eating them not people.

Once again, I know that too many apples are not always a good thing for the digestion of the bovine and can stop it altogether and worst case scenario it can be fatal. (We once had an elderly Friesian that crept in and gorged herself, just before calving, she appeared very drunk! The vet did an emergency caesarian but the cow died, amongst a huge pile of chewed apple mush that smelled like cider - not to be forgotten.)

How worried should I be about windfall apples with my Dexter’s generally, just ignore them eating them? Or keep fencing them off? What do others think about it? I ask as I know some owners allow them to clean up windfalls - so perhaps my concern is unfounded.

Stephanie

Edited By Saffy on 1247904597

jeanthomas · Post by **jeanthomas** » Sat Jul 18, 2009 3:45 pm

Hi Saffy,

I couldn't advise you on quantities of apples, but what I am always wary of is choke. We have a small orchard. We never put the cows in there but I do feed them the windfalls. This way I can regulate the quantity consumed. However back in my early days I just fed them whole and nearly lost a steer who was choking. I tried to help, he was distressed and salivaing prolifically. Luckily it cleared, probably nothing to do with me panicking, and frantically rubbing his throat! I still feed them the windfalls but always cut in quarters, which is time consuming but in my opinion worth the time!!

jean in sunny Suffolk

Saffy · Post by **Saffy** » Sun Jul 19, 2009 8:10 pm

Hello Jean,

Good job you mentioned choke - oddly enough it hadn't come to mind, yet it is something I would always be wary of with potatoes. The small unripe apples at the moment are an ideal size for swallowing whole.

Stephanie