Cattle Cashing in on Acorns in Argentina

Peter Laharrague, an IOS member in Argentina, wrote to us to tell of interesting animal behavior observed at his oak collection. Cattle that had been allowed to pasture among the oaks were gorging on the acorns. Though livestock has traditionally fed on acorns, it is usually associated with pigs. Peter’s Basque ancestors in southwestern France may have practiced it during the Middle Ages, and even benefited from the rights of pannage, which allowed farmers to turn out their livestock into forests during acorn season. (It is still practiced in modern times in the New Forest in England.) Peter shared images of the cattle in action. It is impressive to see how the cattle seek out the acorns under the leaf litter. And to observe the evidence of their unusual diet in the cow pats!

Here is a video taken by Peter’s foreman. His commentary is in Spanish, transcribed below. An English translation, which attempts to capture the tone and flavor of the original, is also provided.

"Don Pedro, mire cómo buscan las bellotas abajo los robles. Esa no está comiendo pasto, esa está buscando bellotas. Aquella otra allá atrás, también. No comen pasto, buscan bellotas, parecen chanchos gozando. Mire esta ahora, esta de acá. Mire como corre la hoja y busca bellotas abajo, mire. Ve cómo hace? Corre la hoja, y busca. Están todas. Y se escucha, hace sonar, que está partiendo con los maxilares."

"Don Pedro, just look at how they're sniffing around for acorns under those oaks. That one isn't eating grass—she's rooting for acorns. That other one back yonder too. They aren't grazing, they’re hunting for acorns like hogs getting their fill. Now take a look at this one here. See how she noses through the leaves, digging underneath for acorns? All of them are at it. And you can hear it too—cracking ’em with her jaws, making a right racket!"