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Acorn Toxicity
By Barry Whitworth, DVM
With the prolonged drought, most pastures are in poor condition. With the lack of available forage, animals may go in search of alternative foods. If oak trees are in the pastures, acorns may be a favorite meal for some livestock this fall. This may result in oak poisoning.
Oak (Quercus species) leaves, twigs, buds, and acorns may be toxic to some animals when consumed. Obviously, acorns can be a problem in the fall and green acorns can be more toxic than mature acorns. When acorns form only a small portion of the diet, there are usually no signs of problems.
However, consumption of large quantities may result in toxicity. Tannins in the acorns cause the toxicity. The most common tissue damaged by the tannins are the digestive tract and kidneys. Cattle and sheep appear to be more susceptible to toxicity than goats. Other animals such as horses, rabbits, and chickens have succumbed to the toxicity of oak poisoning as well. Interestingly, some individual animals are more tolerable of the toxins and show no ill effects when consuming acorns.
To read more, pick up a copy of the January issue of NTFR Magazine. To subscribe call 940-872-5922.
By Rayford Pullen
Other than Valentine’s Day, for those of us in the cattle business, there is not a lot good about the month of February in North Texas. The weather the past two Februarys has been really tough, so here is hoping we do not have a three-peat.
Since we are in the middle of winter, we can now begin our spring calving the first of the month and hopefully have it completed before the first of April. I have previously mentioned that when we compared the weaning weights of our February and March born calves to our April and May born calves, the earlier born calves had a weaning weight advantage of 111 pounds due to the fact the earlier born calves were older and had a functioning rumen, their mommas are giving a lot of milk and the forages are entering the best 120 days of the year.
To read more, pick up a copy of the February issue of NTFR Magazine. To subscribe call 940-872-5922.
It is difficult to find one definition of Texas country music, but one description seems to repeat more than others; a style of music known for fusing traditionalist root sounds with the outspoken, care-free views of outlaw country. Texas country music is much more instrumental than traditional, blending together a mix of subgenres, from bluegrass to Western swing.
No matter the definition used, one thing is for certain, Texas country is one of the most rapidly growing genres of music beloved by fans across the country, and as the popularity of the Texas sound continues to rise, so does the competition for musicians to stand out.
However, one musician hailing from North Texas has shown she has what it takes. Sixteen-year-old Maddie Rose claims the key is hard work, talent, and honestly, a little bit of luck. As an artist, she has been honing her talent since she was just a child, starting on piano, picking up guitar, acting, modeling, and developing her skills along the way at the DFW Performing Arts Conservatory.
To read more, pick up a copy of the February issue of NTFR Magazine. To subscribe call 940-872-5922.
By Jelly Cocanougher
With a discouraging and worrisome look, the park rangers moved along, back towards the trailhead entrance. We must have had Texan written across our faces, headstrong and willing to make our own decisions when faced. They were worried we would get lost as night fell to the base of the mountains.
To read more, pick up a copy of the January issue of NTFR Magazine. To subscribe call 940-872-5922.
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