acorn poisoning

[SueH]

In the hedgerows surrounding our fields we have several mature oak trees. Some of our Dexters browsed on the fallen acorns last year without any apparent problems, I have heard of other breeds of cattle getting Acorn poisoning but was wondering if anybody has heard of any instances where Dexters have succombed to it?

[mindenho]

Hi Sue,

Some years ago we had a Dexter who "didn't look quite right". It was autumn and there was a glut of acorns and on visiting my vet advised me that the cow was probably suffering from acron poisoning. She was very constipated, but a few days of a red coloured drench seemed to do the trick and she recovered. None of the other Dexters suffered, and I have never had another case since.

Erica

[Saffy]

I think our oldest cow - thirteen, might have been eating acorns. Not a typical animal at all as from what I have read it should be one of the youngsters.

She was quite blown this morning and the little bit of muck that she managed appeared to have a small bit of acorn shell in it. So we treated her to a pint of vegetable oil - yum! She burped loads and went down in no time.

We aren't sure that it was acorns as it wan't typical but we do have quite alot of acorns this year and I am keeping them a bit tight on the field before moving them to new pasture.

Stephanie