Pine needle abortions are the result of consumption of pine needles from Ponderosa pines in the western United States. A waxy substance on the pine needles contains a compound that reduces the blood flow to the uterus and results in abortion and expulsion of the fetus. Cattle consume the pine needles in the fall/winter and only in situations where nutrient availability is limited. Basically, they eat them when they have little else available. Abortions have also been shown to occur when cattle consume Korean pine needles. The abortions typically occur when the females are late in gestation and are most prevalent after 250 days of pregnancy. Late-pregnant cattle could be removed from the pastures that contain pine trees. Also, pine needle abortions should not be a problem as long as the cattle are well fed.
These resources are brought to you by the Cooperative Extension System and your Local Institution
Welcome
eXtension is an interactive learning environment delivering the best, most researched knowledge from the smartest land-grant university minds across America.
eXtension: more mind reach
Have a question? Try asking one of our Experts
I recently rented some additional pasture, which has several pine trees. None of my other pastures have pine trees. I want to know more about pine needle poisoning and/or abortions. Is this a problem only with Ponderosa pines? Is there a seasonality to the problem, such as fall or winter? If the cattle have plenty to eat, is it still a problem? What else do I need to know?
Last Updated: November 19, 2010
Have a specific question? Try asking one of our Experts
Unlike most other resources on the web, we have experts from Universities around the country ready to answer your questions.
This resource area was created by the: Beef Cattle community
Resource Area Feeds
In This Resource Area
Cattle Facts:
Beef Tips:
- Reproduction
- Breeding and Genetics
- Herd Health
- Management
- Nutrition
- Pastures and Forages
Glossary: