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Discussion on Oak and Acorn poisoning-How much is toxic?

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Diane Ayers
New Member
Username: luv2rack

Post Number: 2
Registered: 11-2009
Posted on Wednesday, Nov 18, 2009 - 10:33 am:   Edit PostPrint Post
My two geldings have shown a fondness for acorns and I am concerned about the amount they must consume to be adversely affected. I have done a little research and I can't find much on quantity. Does anyone here know how much a 1100lb. horse would have to eat to do damage?
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Robert N. Oglesby DVM
Moderator
Username: dro

Post Number: 24096
Registered: 1-1997
Posted on Wednesday, Nov 18, 2009 - 1:45 pm:   Edit PostPrint Post
Hello Diane,
We don't know of a quantity unfortunately. It is a fact that millions of horses consume acorns, sometimes in great quantity, every year without any untoward effects.

As explained in the article besides the amount consumed it will also depend on the specie of oak and even the age of the acorn. The absolutely safest thing to do is to remove the acorns but we have white, red, and post oak around our pastures and do not have problems. You might discuss this with your local vet or extension to see if your area has such problems and make decisions from there.
DrO
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Vicki Z
Member
Username: vickiann

Post Number: 1490
Registered: 3-2005
Posted on Wednesday, Nov 18, 2009 - 6:26 pm:   Edit PostPrint Post
This Ohio State bulletin has a little additional information about acorns and other toxic tree species. Green acorns are more toxic than the ripe ones. My horses do not seem to be very interested in the green ones but they consume fairly large quantities of live and laurel oak acorns. It is interesting that ruminants are more adversely affected than horses:
http://ohioline.osu.edu/b762/b762_25.html
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Diane Ayers
New Member
Username: luv2rack

Post Number: 3
Registered: 11-2009
Posted on Thursday, Nov 19, 2009 - 7:49 am:   Edit PostPrint Post
Thanks for the info, Dr. O. and Vicki. That Ohio State bulletin really has lots of good info all on one page.
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