Pine needles harmful to cows?

Question: If cows eat pine needles, will it hurt them or cause a problem?

In general, yes pine needles can be a problem if cows consume them. Pine needles occur across much of the cow country in the western United States. However, there are some things that producers can do to protect their herds.

Pine needle toxins fall in the category of what is referred to as abortifacient and reproductive toxins. This means that they can cause abortions and upset the reproductive cycle of cows. In spring-calving cows, abortions usually occur in late fall or early spring (third trimester). The toxin that is...