Can Goats Eat Fescue Hay? (Read Before Feeding)
Yes, goats can eat fescue hay without any negative effects.
The Fear Of Fescue: Is It Fact Or Fallacy?
The fear of fescue toxicity and its impact on goats has raised many questions among livestock owners. Symptoms of fescue toxicity, such as red bag, abortions, thickened placentas, founder, necrosis, and failure to freshen, have led to concerns about feeding fescue hay to goats. However, it is important to note that fescue can be safely fed to goats, despite these alarming symptoms.
Tall fescue is one of the most common forages for livestock, both in pasture and baled grass hay. It has adequate palatability and is a nutritious forage option for goat operations. While tall fescue, whether growing in the pasture or baled into hay, contains an alkaloid toxin trapped between the cells in the seeds of the plant, it is generally well-tolerated by goats.
Although tall fescue is considered problematic for all livestock and is not usually tolerated in hayfields, the low endophyte fescue varieties are safe to feed all classes of livestock, including goats. While some livestock species may not tolerate tall fescue due to its toxic potential, goat producers do not have to worry excessively about feeding fescue hay to their goats.
In conclusion, fescue hay can be safely fed to goats. It is essential to choose low endophyte fescue varieties and ensure that the hay is of good quality, free from molds or contaminants that could cause digestive and respiratory problems.
Monitoring the goats for any signs of fescue toxicity, such as lameness, reduced appetite, weight loss, reduced fertility, decreased milk production, elevated temperature, unthriftiness, and poor rates, is crucial.
Tall Fescue Toxicity In Goats
Can goats eat fescue hay? It is a common question among goat owners. While there is a fear of fescue toxicity in goats, it is a fact that fescue can be fed to goats.
Tall fescue, whether in the pasture or baled into hay, contains an alkaloid toxin that is trapped between the cells in the seeds of the plant. This alkaloid toxin can be problematic for all livestock and is not usually tolerated in hayfields.
However, if you have low endophyte fescue, it is safe to feed all classes of livestock, including goats. Some symptoms of fescue toxicity in goats include lameness, reduced appetite, weight loss, reduced fertility, decreased milk production, elevated temperature, and poor rates of growth.
Therefore, it is important to monitor and manage the intake of fescue hay for goats to prevent any adverse effects.
Safe Hay Options For Goats
Can goats eat fescue hay? This is a common question among goat owners. While fescue hay has been associated with symptoms of fescue toxicity in livestock, it can be fed to goats safely. Fescue hay is a nutritious forage option with adequate palatability for goats. However, it is important to choose low endophyte fescue as a safe option.
Fescue, whether growing in pastures or baled into hay, contains an alkaloid toxin that is trapped between the cells in the seeds of the plant. This toxin can cause various health issues in livestock. However, when fescue hay is made from low endophyte fescue, the risk of toxicity is greatly reduced.
For pregnant does, it is especially important to consider their nutritional needs. Low endophyte fescue can be safely fed to pregnant does and other classes of livestock without causing any harm.
Frequently Asked Questions For Can Goats Eat Fescue Hay
Is Fescue Hay Safe For Goats?
Yes, fescue hay is safe for goats. It is a nutritious forage option that can be successfully used in goat operations. However, it is important to note that fescue hay may contain an alkaloid toxin, so it’s best to feed low endophyte fescue to all classes of livestock, including pregnant goats.
What Kind Of Hay Is Best For Goats?
The best hay for goats is a mixture of different grasses, like orchard grass or alfalfa hay. Stay away from fescue hay as it can be toxic to goats. Avoid feeding them moldy hay and opt for high-quality grass hay instead.
What Hay Can Goats Not Eat?
Goats should not eat moldy hay or hay with a blend of different grasses. Symptoms of fescue toxicity include lameness, reduced appetite, weight loss, poor fertility, decreased milk production, and gangrenous extremities. Avoid rye-grass staggers as well. Good hay options for goats are orchard grass, alfalfa, and coastal hay.
What Are The Symptoms Of Fescue Toxicity In Goats?
Symptoms of fescue toxicity in goats include lameness, weight loss, reduced fertility, decreased milk production, elevated temperature, poor rates of gain, and gangrenous tails, feet, or ears. Another form is “rye-grass staggers. ” It’s important to be aware of these signs when feeding fescue hay to goats.
Conclusion
It is a fact that goats can eat fescue hay. Although fescue contains a toxin that can be harmful to livestock, including goats, it can still be safely fed to them. It is important to consider the quality and endophyte levels in fescue hay to minimize any potential toxicity.
Overall, fescue can be a nutritious forage option for goats, but it is always best to consult with a veterinarian to ensure the health and well-being of your goats.
