wilted cherry leaves

[Mark Alley]

I have always heard that wilted cherry leaves were very toxic to cattle. After storms I always tour the pasture and remove all limbs and twigs. Just how much does it take to kill a cow? Can they eat just a few and just get sick? I have never had one die that I felt was from cherry leaves.

 

[Bullbuyer]

I think the amount necessary to harm a cow would be relative to the size of the cow. This would best be answered by someone like Doc Harris - might send a PM.
The other thing that everyone should monitor is apple trees. Good friend lost a really nice heifer a few years back - had a whole apple lodged in her throat.

 

[LaneFarms]

Our county agent told me (if I remember correctly) it takes 1/10th of a pound per 100lbs. of body weight to kill a cow. The dried leaves concentrate the poison and he said it could kill with in 45 minutes. I lost 2 cows several years back to cherry leaves.

 

[Mark Alley]

Our county agent told me (if I remember correctly) it takes 1/10th of a pound per 100lbs. of body weight to kill a cow. The dried leaves concentrate the poison and he said it could kill with in 45 minutes. I lost 2 cows several years back to cherry leaves.

So, assuming you remember correctly, a 1000 lb cow just might eat a few bites and survive. I have not measured a pound of leaves but that could be several nibbles. I have also wondered just how wilted the leaves need to be in order to poison the cow. I really hope I don't ever find out the hard way.

 

[badaxemoo]

Bullbuyer wrote:

The other thing that everyone should monitor is apple trees. Good friend lost a really nice heifer a few years back - had a whole apple lodged in her throat.

Thanks! I stupidly tossed my heifers some drop apples from our orchard a few times last fall. They gobbled them up, but I never though about the potential choking hazard.

We've also got quite a few cherry trees on the fenceline - I'll keep an eye on that too.

The last issue of Graze magazine mentioned a guy who had yew trees in his yard. The cattle got out and ate some and he lost nine head.

 

[Diehard40]

This is a highly debateable question regarding cherry leaves.
I've heard everything from a handfull to a truckload. The wilted leaves are the big problem and it is a concentrated level of cyanide which is why it happens fast. just remove all of them around your pasture (if possible) then you won't have to worry about them.

 

[Beefy]

fallen leaves arent going to be a problem. a branchful? maybe not. but a limbful or more will be.

 

[Bullbuyer]

As high as saw logs are - if I had any cherry trees, I'd cut them down and send to the mill. Put a little money in your pocket and you don't have to check the pasture every time a wind storm hits.