Pine needles consumed by cows during late pregnancy can cause abortion or premature calving. Producers need to be aware that few options exist to decrease the risk of pine needle-induced abortion other the physically isolating cows from exposure during late pregnancy. Exposure to any source of pine needles, whether they are fresh, dry, weathered, on the ground, on standing trees, or on fallen trees during late pregnancy should be avoided. The culprit is isocupressic acid, a yellow, oily substance in pine needles. Identification of the culprit is the first step in developing an antidote. An antidote is not yet available.
Here is a web link:
http://cals.arizona.edu/AREC/pubs/rmg/4%20animalcare&healthmaintenance/31%20pineneedleabortion01.pdf (PDF)
FAQ #28641
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