DIVISION OF AGRICULTURE R E S E A R C H & E X T E N S I O N University of Arkansas System Agriculture and Natural Resources FSA3104 Livestock Health Series Acorn Poisoning in Cattle Jeremy Powell Associate Professor ­ Introduction Clinical Signs When forage is scarce, cattle will Tannins are the toxic agents found Veterinarian often search for alternative food in acorns. Consumption of tannins can sources. In Arkansas, where cattle are lead to gastrointestinal problems, frequently grazed on pastures that severe kidney damage and death. may contain oak timber, the possi­ Some cattle may consume acorns and bility exists for cattle to consume experience no ill effects, while others acorns. When cattle head to available suffer severe disease. timber ground and wooded lots around the farm in search of grazing Early signs associated with or browsing during the fall, hungry acorn poisoning are related to gastro­ cattle will frequently eat acorns intestinal dysfunction. These include dropped by oak trees. If these acorns abdominal pain, poor appetite, are over­consumed, they have the diarrhea (often black or bloody in potential for fatal poisoning. color) and occasional constipation. As the disease progresses, signs of kidney failure will present them­ selves. Affected cattle will exhibit dehydration (a dry, crusty muzzle and rough hair coat), increased thirst, general weakness, weight loss, frequent urination and a rapid, weak pulse. Edema (swelling due to fluid that has settled out into tissue) may be noted in the lower parts of the body such as the chest, legs and ventral abdomen. Some body cavities may Acorn in pasture also become filled with fluid. Many species of oaks exist in Arkansas, and most of them are Treatment considered toxic to animals. They Since there is no specific antidote typically affect cattle and sheep, but for acorn poisoning, treatment is they also can intermittently cause limited. However, for cattle exhibiting toxicity in rabbits, chickens, goats and signs of constipation, one gallon of horses. Poisoning most commonly mineral oil or a saline cathartic can occurs when green, ripe acorns are be administered orally as a mild Arkansas Is consumed when they drop from oak laxative. Activated charcoal can also Our Campus trees in the fall. Occasionally, cattle be given to aid in absorption of the consume buds and small leaves from toxic agent. With these limited treat­ standing or cut trees in the spring ment options, emphasis should be that could also lead to poisoning. placed on prevention. Visit our web site at: http://www.uaex.edu University of Arkansas, United States Department of Agriculture, and County Governments Cooperating The goal is to get cows to consume around Prevention 0.4 pound of hydrated lime per day. The use of The best practice for prevention of acorn molasses or vegetable oil is important to keep the poisoning is to keep cattle from coming in contact hydrated lime from settling out of the ration and to with the culprit. Fencing off an area where oaks are increase palatability. Cattle that are not commonly prevalent is the best way to prevent exposure. If that fed grain should be slowly acclimated to consuming is not possible, supplementing the cattle with feed the full ration. In addition to the abovementioned that contains 10 percent hydrated lime (calcium supplementation, providing cattle with additional hydroxide) will lessen the hazard of acorn poisoning. food sources will cause them to be less likely to search Hydrated lime should be placed in a mixed ration for acorns while grazing short pasture. because it is generally unpalatable to cattle. It can also be placed into a pelleted ration to get the desired There appear to be fewer problems with acorn consumption rate. If a producer is concerned about poisoning after a few hard freezes. Since freezing does acorn poisoning in his herd, the following ration can not actually decrease the level of tannins found in be fed to cattle at 3­4 lb/head/day for adult cattle acorns, the fewer problems are most likely due to (1­2 lb/head/day for calves): the reduced palatability of acorns after weathering has occurred. – 44% cottonseed or soybean meal, – 40% dehydrated alfalfa meal, corn or cotton For more information about this disease and seed hulls, other diseases affecting cattle, contact your local – 6% vegetable oil or molasses and county Extension office. – 10% hydrated lime. Printed by University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service Printing Services. JEREMY POWELL, DVM, is associate professor ­ veterinarian, Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, Acts of May 8 and Department of Animal Science, University of Arkansas Division of June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agriculture, Fayetteville. Director, Cooperative Extension Service, University of Arkansas. The Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service offers its programs to all eligi­ ble persons regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, gender, age, disability, marital or veteran status, or any other legally protected status, FSA3104­PD­7­12RV and is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. .