Another Linseed query

[zoeshiloh]

Does anyone actually know of a horse that has had linseed poisoning? I know everyone says that it must be boiled, and that it can release cyanide if not, but on speaking to an old suffolk lad earlier, he told me that they have fed the farm horses on linseed for years without boiling it, and had no effect whatsoever.

I called the vet today (as he is coming out later) and asked him if he had ever dealt with or heard of a horse that had died or been ill due to linseed, and he said no.

Is this just because everyone knows that linseed must be boiled, or is it because it is not as dangerous as we think?

Don't get me wrong, I would never, ever take the risk of not boiling it, but I just wondered how dangerous it really is, say, if it is not boiled properly etc.

 

[Maesfen]

Is there any chance he was talking about linseed cake that they feed to cattle, not the actual seeds as they don't usually feed the seeds to cattle either? Just a thought.

 

[zoeshiloh]

Nope, we were discussing raw linseed. Did have a quick google search as well, and the only bits I can find on there says that horses would have to eat a huge amount of the stuff for any adverse effects. I'm just really interested to know whether anyone has had first hand experience/knowledge of linseed poisoning, and what to look out for etc...

 

[Maesfen]

After just a quick look,
"Soaked, unboiled linseed may prove poisonous to horses" from Horsemaster's Notebook. SO does that mean if it isn't soaked it's alright?
Every other book I have says it must be boiled so I think I'd be inclined to carry on boiling - or use linseed oil!

 

[flyingfeet]

Well interestingly some of the fancy human bread rolls have linseed on them, so obviously ok for humans.

I would think if you feed whole raw linseed, then they won't digest it, so not harmful, but no benefit either.