Document Type
Report
Report Number
A.S. Series 75-44
Publication Date
1975
Summary
The frequent occurrence of pine needle abortion in cattle grazing foothill ranges having tree stands of ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa) causes management problems for many ranchers in South Dakota, Wyoming, Colorado, Idaho, and California as well as many areas in Canada. Surveys (1973-75) covering eight counties in western South Dakota and eastern Wyoming indicate the area loss to be approximately 700 calves annually even with good management to prevent pregnant cows from consuming pine needles. Loss of the cow as well from infection of a retained placenta is not unusual. In 1975, for example, one rancher lost 38 calves from pine needle abortion and 12 of the cows thereafter from infection resulting fram retained placentas. Investigations are in progress to isolate and identify the causative factor in pine needles. Ranchers assumed the factor to be present in needles only during late winter and early spring since this was the period when abortions were noted with cattle.
Number of Pages
3
Type
text
Format
application/pdf
Language
en
Publisher
South Dakota State University
Rights
Copyright © 1975 South Dakota State University
Recommended Citation
Kamstra, L. D. and Cogswell, C., "Pine Needle Abortion Among Cows Grazing Foothill Ranges" (1975). South Dakota Cow-Calf Field Day Proceedings, 1975. 7.
https://openprairie.sdstate.edu/sd_cow-calf_1975/7