[Jacob-list] pine needles

[kbarrett at oregontrail.net]

I have read serveral articles regarding Pine Needle Abortion,which is a common 
problem in our area.  I guess I would make sure that there was plenty of other 
feed available before I would pasture preganant ewes in a Pondersoa Pine stand
This is an exerpt from an article from the Klamath County Extension 
service:     
Pine needle abortion: Pine needles from the Ponderosa Pine ( Pinus ponderosa) 
contains an anti-estrogenic compound. Ingestion of the needles results in 
abortion during the last trimester. Cows develop an addiction in favor of the 
pine needles over good feed. A high protein diet increases the risk of 
abortion. Abortion is characterized by a hemorrhagic condition of the placenta 
and fetus. Incomplete dilation of the cervix, retained placenta and metritis 
are common. Prevention requires physically isolating the cows from the pine 
needles to decrease losses. Pine needles are dangerous whether fresh, dry, 
fallen, on the tree, etc. The pine needles do not cause abortion in sheep but 
may increase the rate of dead lambs at parturition. 

Kate Barrett
Ruby Peak Jacobs

Quoting Patchworkfibers <patchworkfibers at alltel.net>:

> Merck lists western yellow pine in its table of poisonous plants of temperate
> North 
> America.  It does say cattle as affected animals and doesn't mention sheep. 
> Unknown 
> toxin, effects include abortion in late gestation, stillbirth, weak calves,
> edema of 
> vulva and udder, retained placenta.
> 
> We don't have western yellow pine here in  Georgia, so I don't have any first
> hand 
> knowledge of its effects.  My sheep do eat pine needles that fall during wind
> and 
> ice storms with no ill effect, but we're just talking about a handful of
> needles.
> 
> Linda in Georgia
> http://www.PatchworkFibers.com
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