With its colorful flowers, the gorse is an attractive eye-catcher. It's no wonder that horse owners come up with the idea of planting the bush in the pasture. But is gorse safe or poisonous for horses? We'll clarify.
Is broom poisonous to horses?
Broom is poisonous to horses because it contains alkaloids that are toxic when in contact with saliva. Poisoning is manifested by symptoms such as salivation, nausea, restlessness or paralysis. Therefore, do not plant gorse near your horses.
Can gorse poison horses?
Yes, gorse is poisonous to horses The bush contains alkaloids. These are organic compounds that can harm both animals and humans. The poison takes effect as soon as the alkaloids come into contact with saliva. It is therefore important to avoid horses licking or chewing on gorse. Of course, the animals should not swallow any plant parts.
Our advice: Since horses are herbivores, it cannot be ruled out that they would try to nibble on gorse bushes. So it's better not to plant broom in the pasture.
What symptoms does poisoning cause?
The gorse leaves and seeds are particularly poisonous. Just five to ten of the latter are enough to triggerpoisoning symptoms. These can look like this:
- increased salivation
- Vomiting and diarrhea as a result of nausea
- Excitement and restlessness
- Symptoms of paralysis
- Constipation up to intestinal obstruction
- Cardiovascular problems (loss of consciousness)
- premature labor in pregnant mares
If you notice one or more of these symptoms in your horse, please call aveterinarian. immediately
Tip
Plant gorse in adjacent meadows instead?
Groom is absolutely taboo in the pasture. But couldn't it at least be planted in an adjacent meadow? It is better to avoid the butterflies and other plants that are harmful to horses around your horses. The risk of poisoning is simply too high for herbivores.
