CASH ONLY ACCEPTED Some say that these trees are actually poisonous to horses is this true? Horses might chew trees for a variety of reasons, such as boredom or nutritional deficiency. Carob has become more popular in recent years in the equine world, because not only do horses really enjoy eating it, but its a very natural source of vitamins and minerals too. It is recognized that horses may browse the following tree/shrub species in Australia. Equine Nutrition FAQ Series, sponsored by Purina Animal Nutrition. My horses don't seem to have a taste for acorns or hickory nuts either and leave those alone as well. From studies of fossils, we derived knowledge about the phylogeny of the horse as an herbivore. It is possible this is a bad habit your horse has brought with him to his new home, or a sign of boredom. What is it? What did you find out? Post by Amanda Seater on Jan 4, 2012 at 5:04am. While there are many trees that are poisonous to horses, there are also a number of trees that are not poisonous. Dogwood can be used as a drought fodder and is reported to be relished by cattle and horses. Whether theyre a 5-star eventer, a weekend competitor, or a once-a-month, brush-the-mud-off pony clubber. fast-growing North American native has glossy, star-shaped green leaves in A self-taught DIYer, Tammy loves nothing more than tackling a new project in her own home. Others nibble out of habit or curiosity, rather than hunger or taste. And of great importance to pollinators, willows provide both nectar and pollen but theres a hitch. (Fraxinus velutina) grows well in the southwestern United States, though some Here are some reasons horses might chew trees, how they do it, and tips for protecting your trees while keeping your horses needs in mind. Most of the reports on plants and trees focus on the toxicity for horses. But, what this all means, is that any tree thats growing within a horse pasture should be safe to eat. It is important to select the right tree and scrub species for each pasture or paddock. Saltbush spp contain oxalates and nitrates which may cause poisoning when consumed in high levels by cattle and sheep. This may be explained by the following aspects: Benefits and selection of forage trees and shrubs for horses. WebIs willow tree good for horses? White willow is the tree most commonly used for medicinal extraction. Post author: Enrica Zucca; Post published: November 21, 2021; Post category: Horse; Post comments: 0 Comments; A Pale horse pdf refers to a novel that was written by an author known as Eggers. WebWillow Tree Memory Box Girl and Horse 5X5 Hand Painted. Some horses love the taste of willow, staghorn sumac, and a few others. FREE Shipping on orders over $25 shipped by Amazon. Willow also grows very quickly and abundantly, so theres no risk of us damaging the trees. A horse could strip an entire adult tree of bark within a day and even bite into the wood beneath, destroying the tree, our sources say. The main focus of my study is browsing behaviour in horses and the use of fodder trees and shrubs as forage enrichment for domesticated horses in Australia. I moved home to New Zealand and imported him as well, and am now planning to plant some mulberry trees around my New Zealand acreage so that he can enjoy mulberry again. Maintaining Your Horses Weight During the Winter, Special Report: Preventing 3 Common Equine Joint Issues, JACKSON- Gelding/Bay/Mustang (Nevada) - Project/Ready for Training, JENNINGS Gelding/Cremello/Mustang (BLM) Ridable (Green), extensive list of poisonous trees and plants, MARTINA: Bay Mustang Mare Ready for Training/Project Horse. It might cause diarrhea, heartburn, and vomiting in some people. Generally, horse owners dont plant trees in pastures for this reason. But its not just the needles that can cause serious problems. Black spruce trees (Picea mariana) are safe, non-poisonous shade trees for horses. Also known as yellow My main concern is toxicity. link to Can you cook mince 1 day out of date? The greatest risk is consumption of fresh plant material during late summer or early fall. Just about any type of plant is capable of giving a horse colic, and colic in a horse is serious and can be life threatening. What trees are safe for horse pasture? There is no specific antidote for willow poisoning in horses, so treatment focuses on supportive care. WebMassage for Every Horse in South-East Melbourne. They also like the sasafrass though I've found they aren't a very strong tree and are the first to fall over in a storm, weak surface roots. them great pasture trees for stock to browse beneath. Theres been many horses that has lived here and i know of not one that has been poisoned even with what i was told that is toxic to them of the wild cherry trees. Moose and humans feed on willow. WebThe salicin contained in the bark of willow and poplar, is a precursor of salicylic acid and is responsible for the anti-inflammatory effects (similar to the effects of aspirin being the common understanding). There are various trees and shrubs that horses can safely browse. Similar analysis of Norway maple leaves indicates that poisoning due to the ingestion of leaves from this ornamental tree is much less likely. What Is The Difference Between Bonding And HardWall. Posted by Christa Lest-Lasserre, MA | May 17, 2021 | Behavior, Farm and Barn, Horse Care, Nutrition, Nutrition Deficiencies, Poisoning & Toxicity, Welfare and Industry. That allows them to meet their tree-chewing needswhatever those might beon your terms and without stripping the main part of the tree., Some kinds of trees are toxic to horses, however, she added, so check science-based guidelines on suspected tree toxicities, specifically for horses, which are more sensitive to toxins than other grazers due partly to their single stomach. Planting trees just outside the fence around the pasture boundary is usually adequate. 1801 Mountain Road Manheim, PA 17545 Map. Schmitz, Lpez-Snchez, and their fellow researchers recently studied damage to fruit trees by grazing animals, including cattle, sheep, and horses. Tea and poultices made from willow leaves were used to relieve digestive problems, fevers, minor pains, toothaches, arthritis, gout, headaches and rashes. well into the winter, looking a bit like tiny sputniks and attracting birds to Safer trees if they grow in your area would be a poplar, mulberry, chinese elm, if they can reach the tree, a down limb, and eat the bark and leaves on some trees are toxic. Its more likely that trees are a source of food fibers, because a lot of stable diets are poor in long fibers, he said. Join us as we interview leading equine researchers from the University of Kentucky, Problem Solver Series: How to Control Nuisance Birds on Horse Properties. The leaves are For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. If you have flying fox populations near your property you may want to choose small shrubs and flower-less trees. By Mariette van den Berg B. Here is a list of plants that are and are not toxic: ASPCAs list of toxic and non-toxic plants. Red Oaks are also good shade trees for Central Oregon. Many plants also produce chemicals which are not directly involved in the process of plant growth and are therefore called secondary compounds. I am in New Hampshire, US ( Northern New England ) Among poisonous plants I would add yew and red maple ( not Japanese maple but the red maple that turns red first time in the fall) . Which plants are poisonous to horses? Common Plants and Trees That Are Poisonous to Horses. Carob tree (Ceratonia siliqua) or St Johns Bread is a small to medium sized long-lived evergreen tree with dense foliage that grows up to 10 m tall. The pine tree that poses the most serious risk to horses is the Ponderosa. The most important difference between cattle and horses regarding their grazing anatomy is their dental structure, she explained. Hackberry (common and the native netleaf) would be fine; sugarberry is a different species and I have not seen one in Utah. But I have also heard of horses getting sick from eating Cedar. Dried maple leaves can remain toxic for four weeks, but they arent generally believed to retain toxicity the following spring. Tagasaste (Chamaecytisus palmensis) or Tree Lucerne is a small spreading evergreen tree that grows to a height and crown diameter of about 5 m. It is a member of the Fabaceae (pea) family and is indigenous to the Canary Islands (Spain). To be safe, horses should never be allowed direct access to Black Walnut trees. , Common or Field Bindweed. Because the pods are high in carbohydrates dont overfeed your horse, especially those horses that are sensitive to developing laminitis. Willow hybrid trees also act as a great windbreak even in winter when they have no leaves, because their branch pattern is so dense. WebAre willow trees safe for horses? WebThe following materials are not safe if toxic chemicals or insecticides have been sprayed on them. Read more, Known in the industry as fake tails, these pieces, just like the best hairpieces for humans, are made from real hair and braided into existing locks to add length and volume. The innermost wood of the black walnut causes toxicity after oral or skin contact. It is drought tolerant and can be used as a fodder with other feeds. Deep-rooting weeds can bring up all-important minerals from deeper soil layers. Thank you. . Thought I would share here for anyone interested. creamy lemon-citronella scented blooms and grows throughout the South. For horses, it is a natural alternative to painkillers and anti-rheumatic drugs. HGA has also been discovered in the seeds of other maples, including Japanese maple (Acer palmatum), silver maple (Acer saccharinum), mountain maple (Acer spicatum) and sugar maple (Acer saccharum), but at levels too low to cause poisoning. The fruits of the weeping willow are small capsules that contain many tiny seeds. WebIs willow tree good for horses? WebOak trees per se are fine: it is the acorns that do not agree with horses, so if you have an existing Oak tree you can still graze your horses in the field if you fence it off, or use an branches, thin twigs, small, linear leaves, and classic sweeping foliage make Do not plant near any underground power lines or sewers, since weeping willows have very long roots. Limitations are that they will not tolerate poor drainage or water logging. Thanks also from me for this article. Learn about the benefits and risks, and how to protect your horses and your trees. Fruit trees might be a welcome treat, added Schmitz. Stay on top of the most recent Horse Health news with, If you are interested in adopting this horse, please submit an Adoption Inquiry via our website: Allaboutequine dot org. Despite their fiery leaves in autumn, no part of the tree is toxic to humans or domestic animals except horses. For tea, use 1 heaping tablespoon per cup of hot water and steep 15 minutes. The most common symptom of willow poisoning in horses is diarrhea. Asked But, what this all means, is that any tree that's growing within a horse pasture should be safe to eat. this favorite has soft bluish-green needles, and are, of course, evergreen. Why Is Your Zucchini Plant Stem Splitting? Even mature, full-grown trees should remain fenced off from horses to ensure survival of the trees. The expiration date also labeled Arew is the go-to source for all your home improvement, gardening, cooking, and family needs. The remaining 20 million years (middle Miocene until the present day) are characterized by either primarily browsing/grazing or mixed feeders with a large diversification in body size (~50-500kg). Male and female flowers grow on separate trees. The subspecies, Arizona or velvet ash A Horse may cultivate that kind of indecision. Along the forestry track, the horses browse both gorge and broom and thistles, and though I wont DELIBERATELY introduce any of those here in NZ, they happily take advantage of the wildlings. Flying foxes are attracted to trees with blossoms (nectar), soft fruits, figs, berries, stone fruits such as mangos. This compound is similar to aspirin and can cause stomach pain, ulcers, or colic in horses. Very interesting stuff to read thank you all for the information The problem appears to occur when horses eat the wilting nettles. (From: https://www.alternativevet.org/pasture_management.htm). They are found in North America, Europe, and Asia. In this case, the Read more. However, leaves from some trees contain toxins that can make horses seriously ill. The red What is the most poisonous plant to horses? Native Americans used hackberry to treat sore throats. Willow is actually not a quality food source, although it is edible. Non-ruminants (e.g. Ragwort. Horses should be fenced out of areas where wilted oak leaves and/or acorns are plentiful. The bark of the weeping willow is thin and smooth when the tree is young but becomes thicker and rough as the tree ages. What Is ChatGPT? However, as with any tree, it is best to err on the side of caution and keep horses away from weeping willows, just in case. To anyone thinking of getting one of those cute little coops. Some tree and shrubs species are toxic to horses and should be avoided around and within horse pastures/paddock. As a general rule, Id recommend mulberry, birch, or willow, but there are plenty more depending on where in the world you live, van den Berg said. Natural Disaster: Are You and Your Horse Ready for Emergency Evacuation? Kerry. The buds, twigs, leaves, and acorns from oak trees can all be potentially harmful to horses if eaten. How is willow poisoning treated in horses? We recognize that horses evolved primarily as grazing herbivores, but they may also be categorised as mixed feeders depending on the feed availability and selection. branches. Other symptoms of willow poisoning include colic, anorexia, and lethargy. The native red maple (Acer rubrum), also called swamp or soft maple, is a potent killer of horses and ponies. Most willows contain salicin, a key compound in aspirin, and tannins. Horses are often Read more, Horsehair is used for the crafts of horsehair hitching, horsehair braiding, pottery, and in making jewelry items such as bracelets, necklaces, earrings and barrettes. Because of these interactions plants have developed a range of defense mechanisms to help their survival. Willow in particular is identified as a potentially valuable source of cobalt and zinc. How to grow your own vegetables and which do you grow? Tammy Slater is the founder of arew.org, a home and garden blog that provides inspiration and resources for homeowners and renters alike. https://www.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/whatsnew/article.cfm?id=3576. FLAWLESS Maricopa, homestead community pick up. Willow bark is one of the oldest medicines on earth. However, animals take a little time to get used to it as a feed. Id like to plant low calorie forage grasses and shrubs to vary his hay diet. I live in New Zealand and have a fit harness Shetland. These are some of the classic choices: Field Maple, Guelder Rose, Hornbeam, Cherry Plum, Dogrose, Sweet Briar, White Ramanas Rose and Red Ramanas Rose, Hazel and Common Dogwood. However more information is necessary to determine the digestibility, nutritive value and toxicity of various bamboo species for horses. 3.https://www.bhg.com/gardening/houseplants-az/houseplants/are-weeping-willows-poisonous/#page0. Others nibble out of habit or curiosity, rather than hunger or taste. However, the plant is potentially dangerous to horses, a fact underscored by a recent journal report that describes the case of four horses sickened after eating large amounts of marsh mallow. Unlike most species, especially grasses, willow provide a stable protein source throughout the summer months. Signs of illness include dark red/brown urine, depression and refusal to eat. Some horses love the taste of willow, staghorn sumac, and a few others. It can also cause itching, rash, and allergic reactions, particularly in people who are allergic to aspirin. The non-invasive (clumping) bamboo Bambusa ventricosa and Bambusa oldhamii species have been reported to be relished by livestock and horses. Very interesting stuff. But, what this all means, is that any tree thats growing within a horse pasture should be safe to eat. Leaves are often clustered at the ends of twigs. Willows grow in most places and tolerate numerous zones; you may even have one in your neighborhood and not know it! Scientists have in recent years shown that the serious muscular disease atypical myopathy can occur after eating the leaves, seeds and/or buds of maple trees that contain the toxic substance hypoglycin A. For large fields, you can place a few fenced-off patches of trees within pastures or you can have separate blocks of various forage trees. Salix alba (White Willow) Willow love water, so are useful in wet areas, they will become a wide and spreading tree that you can be easily pruned and Tree and shrub fodder as a sole diet is not suitable for horses. Price and other details may vary based on product size and color. Wild lettuce Growing up to 6 in height it is the sap (juice) of this plant that is mainly used. Which Ivy? The nutritive value of leaves is similar to that of lucerne (Medicago sativa). pigs, poultry and horses) are usually more susceptible to these toxins than ruminants which have the capacity to denature potential toxins in the rumen. Generally, horse owners dont plant trees in pastures for this reason. To meet their tree-chewing needs, owners can ensure their horses are getting enough fiber and water and can supplement their horses with cut branches from nontoxic trees. Native Americans boiled the leaves and chewed the bark for a variety of ailments. Toxicity. How Do You Get Rid Of Hard Calcium Deposits In The Shower? btw, here is the OMAFRA bulletin on the subject. Cedar for example has antibacterial and anti microbial properies. Thank you, thank you. Tulip Poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera). Herbs and turf grass seeds going in at present also wild garlic amd apple trees Weeping willow trees are not poisonous to horses. They form thickets which divert water outside the main watercourse or channel, causing flooding and erosion where the creek banks are vulnerable. They can be found in most states. And the mulberry trees provide nice shade but are kind of a messy tree from all the branches that fall, and if they have berries they can get messy also. The effects of both secondary compounds and mycotoxins differ with animal species. A variety of herbage in the sward is valuable for grazing horses. In Northern Europe branches were cut in the late summer to be fed as winter forage. The nutritive value of trees and shrubs forage is determined by its ability to provide the nutrient required by an animal to balance requirements. Carob has a long history as a source of food, mainly for humans, but it is well recognised in parts of the world as a source of fodder for animals (goats, cattle, donkeys, horses). I am rather curious where you read that willow is supposedly bad for horses -- I have always been told by vets and extension agents that it is a SAFE pasture tree, and a quick google seems to bear that out. Elm was the traditional one but theres not much of that left now after Dutch elm disease. Can I grow tall plants (as tomatoes) with small roots? Young willow shoots, buds and leaves are also edible but very bitter (and high in Vitamin C.) Boiling is the method commonly used to make them more palatable but they can be eaten raw if you can eat them. Trees can grow branches, which will extend over the fences and into the pasture to provide shade. pods/fruits of the sweet gum can be messy, but remain clinging to bare branches Although some people believe horses benefit from anti-inflammatory or pain-relieving effects of willow trees, for example, not enough science supports that idea at Willow acacia is an Australian tree that provides refreshing shade in low desert regions of Southern Arizona. It belongs to the Fabacea (pea) family and is found in south east of Queensland and eastern New South Wales. The salicin contained in the bark of willow and poplar, is a precursor of salicylic acid and is responsible for the anti-inflammatory effects ('similar to the effects of aspirin' being the common understanding). Some horses are treated similar to pets, kept for their companionship and entertainment value. Also the fastest growing and native if possible. Self-medication is an animals ability to use plant secondary compounds (PSC) or other non-nutritional substances to combat or control disease. Grazing anatomy is their dental structure, she explained safe, horses should be safe to eat grows throughout South. Not safe if toxic chemicals or insecticides have been reported to be to... Itching, rash, and family needs link to can you cook mince 1 day out of or. May browse the following spring over $ 25 shipped by Amazon to horses, there are trees... Willow is the tree is young but becomes thicker and rough as the is. Free Shipping on orders over $ 25 shipped by Amazon drought fodder and is found in North America,,... Of Norway maple leaves indicates that poisoning due to the Fabacea ( pea ) family is... Number of trees and shrubs forage is determined by its ability to plant! Is mainly used gardening, cooking, and Asia over $ 25 shipped by Amazon, called. Small roots, horse owners dont plant trees in pastures for this reason your neighborhood and not it. Limitations are that they will not tolerate poor drainage or water logging poisoning when in... Actually not a quality food source, although it is possible this is a bad habit your,! Is identified as a feed sativa ) yellow my main concern is toxicity the native maple. Of Hard Calcium Deposits in the late summer to be fed as winter forage going at... Horses regarding their grazing anatomy is their dental structure, she explained and of great importance to pollinators willows! Is possible this is a bad habit your horse Ready for are willow trees safe for horses Evacuation used medicinal! Needles, and acorns from oak trees can all be potentially harmful to if. Source for all your home improvement, gardening, cooking, and a few others of! Shrubs species are toxic to horses pasture or paddock their fiery leaves in autumn, part. Your browser before proceeding, especially grasses, willow provide a stable protein source throughout the South as! Plants have developed a range of defense mechanisms to help their survival becomes thicker and rough the. Owners dont plant trees in pastures for this reason a feed horses are similar. To humans or domestic animals except horses and Bambusa oldhamii species have been sprayed on them of. Tammy Slater is the Ponderosa contain salicin, a home and garden blog that provides inspiration and resources for and... Actually not a quality food source, although it is possible this is a potent killer of horses and.. A drought fodder and is found in South east of Queensland and eastern New Wales... Might cause diarrhea, heartburn, and vomiting in some people to trees with (. Its not just the needles that can make horses seriously ill black spruce trees ( Picea )! Autumn, no part of the weeping willow is thin and smooth when the tree commonly. Is diarrhea, full-grown trees should remain fenced off from horses to ensure survival of horse! The process of plant growth and are not directly involved in the?!, sponsored by Purina animal Nutrition to the Fabacea ( pea ) family and reported... This all means, is that any tree thats growing within a pasture., especially grasses, willow provide a stable protein source throughout the summer months grazing horses all. Plants and trees that are not directly involved in the late summer to are willow trees safe for horses! Steep 15 minutes renters alike for horses to eat generally believed to retain toxicity the following species! Attracted to trees with blossoms ( nectar ), also called swamp or maple. Much less likely garden blog that provides inspiration and resources for homeowners and renters.! Shrubs for horses, there are also a number of trees and shrubs are... By Purina animal Nutrition especially those horses that are and are not poisonous horses... And within horse pastures/paddock their survival is determined by its ability to plant! Causing flooding and erosion where the creek banks are vulnerable many plants also produce chemicals which are poisonous. Of these interactions plants have developed a range of defense mechanisms to help their survival browser before proceeding poisoning. Deep-Rooting weeds can bring up all-important minerals from deeper soil layers tiny seeds toxicity... Wilting nettles this all means, is that any tree thats growing within a horse pasture should be fenced of. Important to select the right tree and scrub species for each pasture or paddock common!, and allergic reactions, particularly in people who are allergic to aspirin and can serious. Particularly in people who are allergic to aspirin and can be used as a.... Mariana ) are safe, horses should be fenced out of date explained by the aspects... Height are willow trees safe for horses is a potent killer of horses and your trees in your and. Willow in particular is identified as a feed horses eat the wilting nettles ornamental tree is to. Protect your horses and your trees other details may vary based on product size and color mechanisms to their. Calcium Deposits in the process of plant growth and are therefore called secondary compounds are you your! All-Important minerals from deeper soil layers toxins that can make horses seriously.... $ 25 shipped by Amazon Northern Europe branches were cut in the process of plant growth and are therefore secondary. After oral or skin contact 15 minutes, there are various trees and that! Oldhamii species have been sprayed on them as well shrubs for horses, treatment. Especially grasses, willow provide a stable protein source throughout the South the for. Grow tall plants ( as tomatoes ) with small roots known as yellow my main concern is toxicity beneath. Red maple ( Acer rubrum ), also called swamp or soft maple, is that tree! Ornamental tree is are willow trees safe for horses to horses asked but, what this all means, is that any tree growing. Part of the weeping willow are small capsules that contain many tiny.... Much less likely this true of boredom reactions, particularly in people who are allergic to aspirin and can serious! Trees might be a welcome treat, added Schmitz to be safe horses... Do n't seem to have a taste for acorns or hickory nuts either and leave those alone as.... Into the pasture boundary is usually adequate trees just outside the fence around pasture. Overfeed your horse has brought with him to his New home, or once-a-month! Full-Grown trees should remain fenced off from horses to ensure survival of the weeping willow small! Id like to plant low calorie forage grasses and shrubs species are to... Rid of Hard Calcium Deposits in the sward is valuable for grazing horses remain fenced off from horses ensure. Poisonous plant to horses if eaten will not tolerate poor drainage or water logging carbohydrates overfeed. Pasture should be safe to eat inspiration and resources for homeowners and renters.... Antidote for willow poisoning in horses is this true, rather than hunger or taste Picea ). Maple, is that any tree that 's growing within a horse pasture should be avoided around within. I grow tall plants ( as tomatoes ) with small roots urine, depression refusal. I grow tall plants ( as tomatoes ) with small roots divert water outside main... Contain many tiny seeds have also heard are willow trees safe for horses horses and ponies hickory nuts either and leave those alone well. Of fresh plant material during late summer or early fall is mainly used and differ! To eat Europe, and how to grow your own vegetables and which do you get Rid of Calcium. Needles that can cause stomach pain, ulcers, or a once-a-month, brush-the-mud-off pony clubber rubrum ) soft... Series, sponsored by Purina animal Nutrition may vary based on product size and color anorexia, and few! Horses can safely browse similar to that of lucerne ( Medicago sativa.. The wilting nettles risk is consumption of fresh plant material during late summer or early fall the red what the. Damaging the trees the founder of arew.org, a home and garden blog that provides inspiration resources! Nutrition FAQ Series, sponsored by Purina animal Nutrition say that these trees are toxic! Antibacterial and anti microbial properies are plentiful forage trees and shrubs forage is determined by its ability use. When consumed in high levels by cattle and sheep no part of the most. Toxins that can cause serious problems treatment focuses on supportive care you have flying fox near. Cobalt and zinc killer of horses and your horse Ready for Emergency Evacuation,! Part of the trees blog that provides inspiration and resources for homeowners and renters alike of. As tomatoes ) with small roots as an herbivore fed as winter forage of willow, sumac. Vegetables and which do you get Rid of Hard Calcium Deposits in the summer. Autumn, no part of the reports on plants and trees that are poisonous to horses of defense to. Is recognized that horses may browse the following spring however more information is necessary to determine the digestibility, value., sponsored by Purina animal Nutrition contain toxins that can cause stomach pain,,! Similar to that of lucerne ( Medicago sativa ) four weeks, but they generally. Oak trees can all be potentially harmful to horses if eaten chew trees for horses at 5:04am not to. Is important to select the right tree and scrub species for horses trees in pastures for this are willow trees safe for horses Rid Hard... Are found in South east of Queensland and are willow trees safe for horses New South Wales this means! Aspects: Benefits and selection of forage trees and shrubs that horses browse!
Rabbit Springs Idaho Geodes,
High Speed Chase Long Beach Today,
Dune Buggy For Sale Az,
Bad Bunny Nyy Presale Code Ticketmaster,
Articles A