Sycamore and atypical myopathy

[stimpy]

Can someone remind me what the latest advice is on sycamores and atypical myopathy? With the tremendous wind and rain last night the seeds from one of my field hedges have been blown much further than they normally would and there are sycamore seeds in most of my paddocks. I'm looking for a good source of information as to whether it's just the seeds I need to worry about, or the leaves too, and how long any toxins will be present on the ground where leaves or seeds have fallen. For example I am wondering whether I can graze those paddocks at all over this winter or do I need to wait until next spring?

 

[mightymammoth]

are you on facebook? There's a couple of groups on there that are good.

 

[stimpy]

Thanks victoria1980x, I have posted to one of the pages I found on Facebook. I have been scouring the web today but can't find any info on the re-grazing of paddocks where seeds have fallen

 

[Birker2020]

Thanks victoria1980x, I have posted to one of the pages I found on Facebook. I have been scouring the web today but can't find any info on the re-grazing of paddocks where seeds have fallen

The only thing I can find is that the article below states that you should provide supplementary feed i.e hay/haylage in the vicinity to prevent them eating the pods.

http://www.whitchurchequine.co.uk/Wordpress/?page_id=163


QUOTE:

Professor Celia Marr, Editor of Equine Veterinary Journal said: "This is an important advancement in our understanding of what causes AM and how it can be prevented. In immediate practical terms owners can take prompt measures to avoid exposing their horses to sycamore seeds this autumn. Where horses are grazing in the vicinity of sycamore trees, it is imperative that they are provided with sufficient supplementary feed as this will minimise the risk that horses might be tempted to ingest seeds containing this toxin. This must be done carefully and leaving wet hay on the ground should be avoided so providing extra carbohydrate feeds may be more practical."

 

[stimpy]

The only thing I can find is that the article below states that you should provide supplementary feed i.e hay/haylage in the vicinity to prevent them eating the pods.

Thanks applecart14. Unfortunately three of mine are fatties who really don't need any extra hay, I usually use the winter as a way to get their weight down ready for spring.

I spent this weekend cutting down the 4 youngish sycamores in my fields but I can't do anything about the ENORMOUS seed-laden one next door. I'm really not sure what to do about the paddock that got the heaviest seed fall, but it's clear I won't be using it for winter grazing as I planned

 

[hairycob]

Probably the best currently available advice is to avoid grazing at risk paddocks spring &,autumn & confine to mid winter(there is a theory hard frosts break down the toxin) / mid summer use. Can you soak hay if yours are good doers?

 

[stimpy]

Yes I do soak hay and also feed a hay/barley straw mix but they are certainly not fed enough forage to stop them grazing what's on the ground. Sadly they are professional eaters and one is a laminitic so I just can't give them ad lib.

Yes, I'd read about the frosts, I am hoping that is true. Though of course when it's frosty I do up the forage to stop the laminitic grazing thawing grass. Damned if you do and damned if you don't springs to mind...