Livestock Poisoning Possible From Wilting Black (Wild) Cherry Leaves

Aug 24, 2016

By Bruce MacKellar

Severe thunderstorms that developed across southwest Michigan on Saturday, Aug. 20, 2016, turned violent as tornados ripped through parts of Van Buren, Allegan, Kent and Ottawa counties. Areas particularly hard hit were Bangor and Grand Junction in western Van Buren County, and Hamilton in western Allegan County. The high winds caused widespread damage to trees, homes and other structures. As growers are out cleaning up storm damage, Michigan State University Extension advises livestock producers to be aware that some of the storm-damaged trees may pose a livestock poisoning risk.

Black cherry tree

The leaves of wild black cherry trees, which are a very common fencerow and woodlot species in southwest Michigan, can cause a lethal poisoning risk if grazing animals consume wilted leaves. The toxic component in the leaves is prussic acid, a hydrogen cyanide toxin that is only formed when glycosides in the leaves are combined with hydrolytic enzymes. Under normal circumstances, the two components are stored in separate tissues, but can become poisonous in storm-damaged wilted cherry leaves.

With tornadoes, it is possible for branches to be carried quite some distance. We would encourage producers to check branches and trees down in their pastures to make sure that wild cherry is not in areas that livestock can get access to.

“Cattle Grazing: Summer Storms and Wild Cherry Trees,” written by Ohio State University Extension educator Rory Lewandowski and published at Dairy Herd, states that as little as 1.2 to 4.8 pounds of wilted black cherry leaves could constitute a lethal dose for a 1,200 pound dairy cow. To protect grazing livestock, limbs with wilted leaves should be removed from pasture areas. Lewandowski recommends the animals be removed from the pastures until the damaged black cherry branches have been removed or the leaves become dried up and turn completely brown.

Read the full article, “Cattle Grazing: Summer Storms and Wild Cherry Trees,” for more information on the cyanic poisoning potential from wilted black cherry leaves.

Source: msu.edu

Video: You Be The Judge: Evaluating 8 Breeding Rams!

It's time for some honest feedback here at Ewetopia Farms! Today, we’re showing you all eight rams we used for breeding this year. Instead of just presenting them, we thought it would be fun to create a “Ram Report Card” — where we point out both their strengths and areas for improvement.

But here’s the twist: you be the judge! In the comments, let us know what you like about each ram and what you think could be improved. No ram is ever perfect, but every one of them brings something valuable to the flock. By sharing perspectives, we all learn more about what to look for in good breeding stock.

At Ewetopia Farms, we raise registered Suffolk and Polled Dorset sheep, focusing on high-quality genetics, structure, and friendly temperaments. Evaluating breeding rams is part of the bigger picture of building stronger flocks — and we’re excited to share the process with you.

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