Horse News & Views - June 2009

• Planting of gladioli, and irises (flags, fleur-de-lis) along the side of paddock fences is not a good idea. Consumption of small quantities of their rhizomes or large amounts of leaves, even dried, has a purgative effect and may cause a horse's death. Disposal of plant debris in places such as the manure pile can also be problematic if horses can reach over the fence. (Ref: Burrows GE, Tyril RJ. Toxic Plants in North America. Iowa: Iowa State Press, 2001:720-724.)
  
  

• On March 27, 2009, new regulations for the disposal of dead farm animals in Ontario came into force under;

  • the Disposal of Dead Farm Animals regulation under the Nutrient Management Act and
  • the Disposal of Deadstock regulation under the Food Safety and Quality Act.

  The new regulations provide more disposal options for livestock producers and meat plant operators, with measures that will protect the environment.

• A foal should nurse within two to four hours of birth to maximize the absorption of colostral antibodies. The foal's intestinal tract can absorb antibodies from the colostrum for the first 24 hours after foaling. The foal should pass meconium (a yellow fecal material) by six hours after foaling. The navel should be dipped in tamed iodine or chlorhexidine solution daily for several days after birth. Ask your veterinarian for advice on the need to give tetanus antitoxin at birth and antibiotics. For more information, refer to the information sheet Foaling and Predicting Foaling Time.

Related Links

Deadstock Disposal

Foaling and Predicting Foaling Time