No foul play is suspected after juvenile cattle were found dead this month at a farm in Smith’s.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources confirmed reports on March 9 of “deceased calves” at Spittal Pond, where cattle graze to the west end of the nature reserve.

The animals are believed to have succumbed to an additive in their feed, and the matter is no longer under investigation.

A member of the public contacted The Royal Gazette saying walkers in the area had been “horrified” at the sight of three heifers lying dead.

The Ministry of Home Affairs said: “On receipt of the report, DENR officers immediately contacted the farmer, who was already aware of the incident and was on the scene.

“The farmer revealed that his animals were previously well, and a recent change in feed additive had just occurred.

“It is believed this additive was likely the cause of the illness, and to date, there have been no further reports of a similar nature.

“There was no evidence of wilful negligence or maltreatment, and the matter was closed."

Health officials have analysed cattle deaths in previous years at the farm, such as in 2013 when two cows were found dead at Spittal Pond.

In that situation, the animals were imported and had been kept apart from the rest of the herd.

The farm adjoins Bermuda’s largest wildlife reserve, with cattle grazing in the open air as well as consuming animal feed.