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  Discussion on Grazing in orchard
Author Message
Member:
Jerre

Posted on Tuesday, Jul 6, 2004 - 11:15 am:

I've looked at the poison lists, and think I'm OK, but would like confirmation. Are there any common domestic fruit trees that are toxic to horses? My horses sometimes get turned out in our small fruit orchard (plums, sweet cherries, pears, apples) and lately my mare has taken to browsing the tree leaves. There are no poison sprays used.

I spray the trees with a deer repellant (egg and pepper) which slows her -- and the deer -- down, but I'd hate to lose the grazing area.

She also loves wild huckleberries, and will strip a bush.

Any cautions/reassurances?

Thanks,
Jerre
Member:
Apcohrs

Posted on Tuesday, Jul 6, 2004 - 3:10 pm:

Be careful when there is fruit on the trees.

Apple seeds, for example, contain small amounts of cyanide which is of NO concern when the amount is 1-2 apples, but which can be enough to cause injury if the horse gorges on apples for days.

Of course, the biggest concern is colic due to sudden change in diet as a new fruit ripens.
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Friday, Jul 9, 2004 - 1:02 pm:

Hello All,
While it is true that many fruit seeds contain cyanide or cyanide precursors I cannot find the amounts in the literature or a case where a horse ever ingested enough apples to cause cyanide toxicosis. On the other hand I can find cases of bloat and colic from too many apples.
DrO
Member:
Jerre

Posted on Friday, Jul 9, 2004 - 1:21 pm:

Well, since it seems the trees won't poison her, now my issue is keeping her from stripping the leaves. I guess orchard grazing will have to be limited til fall. Although the Deer Off spray has some effect. It's amazing how high a 16.1 horse can reach into a tree!!
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