Types of sawdust/shavings that have poor health consequences to horses. - Ask Extension
I recently had a sample of horse stall bedding analyzed by the US Dept of Forestry. They found all hardwoods in the sample. Maple, white oak, yellow p...
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Types of sawdust/shavings that have poor health consequences to horses. #241751
Asked May 05, 2015, 7:08 AM EDT
I recently had a sample of horse stall bedding analyzed by the US Dept of Forestry. They found all hardwoods in the sample. Maple, white oak, yellow poplar, tulip tree, ash, tan hickory, red oak, and aspen/cottonwood.
Considering that the horse in a stall has skin, hoof, respiratory, and some ingestion (fed hay on floor), which of these woods could adversely impact the horse's health?
Reading I have done indicates that maple, oak, and ash may be problematic.
I am having difficulty finding a resource that is comprehensive on this subject.
Thank you.
Cuyahoga County Ohio
Expert Response
Hi- I contacted Ragan Adams, DVM and Extension Veterinarian of Colorado State University. She confirmed my information that "hardwoods" do not make a good bedding material for horses. In fact, Black Walnut is extrememly toxic to horses and should never be used. It is the oils in the hardwoods that become problematic for horses. And hardwoods often splinter--- making it also dangerous if it is injested. Therefore, only pine shavings should be used in horse bedding and make sure it is kiln dried.
There is not much information on Ash or Maple, but again, those are harder type wood and undesireable.
I hope this helps.
