Well, we got it figured out, sort-of. DH didn't realize they had eaten the pine needles when I put them in, so he used them - those crazy cows didn't touch them! So, I went and raked up a bunch more. Through trial and error, we figured out the problem. If 'Mom' (me) puts anything out, it MUST be a treat and should be eaten. If 'Dad' puts something out, it has no food value and must be pooped on That means, I collect the pine needles, but DH has to put them in as bedding. Crazy cows