[Jacob-list] pine needles safe?

[kbarrett at oregontrail.net]

I know that if pregnant cows eat a lot of pine needles this can cause 
abortion...They generally won't eat the needles, but in the winter if they are 
the most readily available food this could be a problem.  I am not sure if thie 
is true of sheep or not, but since they are both ruminants I would think there 
could be some concern. 
Kate Barrett
Ruby Peak Jacobs
Quoting Melody <critterland at bendcable.com>:

> I know that eating a few pine needles or nibbling a branch now and then won't
> harm my sheep, but does anyone have any input about the pros and cons of the
> sudden availability of large amounts of pine?  I am having a large (about 4
> feet in diameter, 80 feet tall) ponderosa pine that is in one of my pastures
> cut down,  and had thought about leaving the trimmings from the branches just
> lay in the pasture for the sheep to munch--they love the needles, and
> carefully clean up any that hit the ground, so I'm guessing they would enjoy
> the bounty!  BUT--can this be potentially dangerous to them in these
> quantities?  Or do our dear smart Jacobs know when to stop? 
> Melody at CritterLand 
> Redmond OR
>