Author Topic: Cattle in coniferous woodland?? (Read 4177 times)

Backinwellies · « **on:** December 27, 2015, 02:36:32 pm »

To give our cows some respite from the rain and mud we are planning to give them a small area under a group of coniferous trees ... does anyone have any reason why they should not go into an area of conifer and ivy?

HappyHippy · « **Reply #1 on:** December 28, 2015, 10:58:54 am »

I think ivy might be poisonous to some species - worth checking

landroverroy · « **Reply #2 on:** December 28, 2015, 06:00:49 pm »

They'll probably eat some of the conifers unless they are well established. It won't hurt the cattle - conifers aren't poisonous - but you may get some damage to the trees. I'm sure the cattle will enjoy the shelter though.

Rosemary · « **Reply #3 on:** December 28, 2015, 06:12:43 pm »

From what I can glean from t'internet, ivy is not generally poisonous to cattle unless they gorge on leaves and flowers. Our sheep eat it and sheep are less hardy than cattle.

We keep our steers and bull in coniferous wood over winter. The tress are mature though. Cattle seem to like it - it's sheltered and dry and there's some grazing between and round theedges for them.

Backinwellies · « **Reply #4 on:** December 28, 2015, 07:10:44 pm »

Don't think they will damage 60foot trees! They are loving it .... see picture

Bionic · « **Reply #5 on:** December 28, 2015, 07:31:07 pm »

Looks much better than a wet field to me

shygirl · « **Reply #6 on:** December 28, 2015, 10:26:36 pm »

mine have access to dense and sparse woodland. they literally sleep under the densest patches where it is dry and deep in pine needles. no issues with chewing trees. we have no ivy. the tree roots hold the ground together so less poaching.