Freak accident or distinct possibility?

[Abouttime]

One of my neighboring farmers stopped by last night to warn me that my calves (4 months old) are in grave danger from my apple trees.

Apparently some yrs ago he had a calf get a fallen apple stuck in his throat-(I have lots of them on the ground.) The calf stopped eating and drinking and when he couldn't figure it out, he took it 50 miles to the nearest vet and almost lost it. He says the vet told him he has seen this many times.

I don't want to be gullible or paranoid, but I don't want to ignore good advice either.

Please advise.

[james dilley]

While A pc. of fruit Can get lodged in A animals throat and cause it to DIE. If you want to feed the dropped apples try picking them up and chopping them..That way the smaller pc.'s can be eaten safely..

[lilsassafrass]

Anything is possible
I have never worried to much about windfall apples , in fact I have a neighbor who brings theirs over (non sprayed) to feed to my animals in the dry lot .but I do keep my eyes out just in case one would pig out and choke
I have had cows on the other hand choke on plastic bags that have blown in on the wind , i once had a cow that picked up a beerbottle that some one tossed in to the field by the road (sad tto say trash pick up is an everyday occurance right along with morning chores .
Once I had a horse that choked on a corn cob .....so I suppose a cow could as well if you feed them ear corn ....
I would be more worried with teh apples about the calves getting a tummy ache from teh apples if they gorged on them .


Paula
Hyde Park Farm

[susieM]

I know of three cases, where it's happened here...one potato and two apple. And they were fully grown Aquitaine cattle, not babies. If it DOES happen, don't reach in, you might just push the thing in, further.

[sunshine estate]

Heimlich maneuver? Sorry, couldn't resist...

[Michael W. Smith]

My dad had a cow that died 2 years ago and they think that is what happened.

However, I think the chances of it happening are slim.

[KSALguy]

its more like a freak accedent as MOST animals can eat such things with out problems, its just like with people chokeing on food
there was a farmer we bought hay from who had a bull get a Hedge Apple stuck in his throught down at the river, but was able to dislodge it some how.
its good to keep an eye on them but not really THAT big of an issue usually

[Abouttime]

Thanks for the responses-I think I'll try to eliminate the possibility and make an effort to pick them up-I'll sure they'll be some, but hopefully less will make the problem less likely.

[MaineFarmMom]

Our pony choked on a crab apple once. What a helpless feeling. He finally coughed hard enough to dislodge it.

[Up North]

Yeh, I had a foal that almost choked on an apple. My dad had to reach in and pull the apple out. It was either that or stand there and watch the foal die. But then again, one of my herds most favorite paddocks is the apple orchard. I've never had a cow choke yet. But it can happen.

Heather

[Sprout]

Just like how turkey's will drown in rain? While there is some risk it's like the "what if I slip on the soap in the shower." You can fence the trees off which would be beneficial as they will try to eat the trees regardless of the apples and throw them the rotten windfallen ones, they'll be mushy enough to slip through any esouphagus.