Do Goats Eat Milk Thistle? (with Alternatives)
Yes, goats can eat milk thistle without any negative effects. In fact, goats can be used to control small infestations of milk thistle through grazing.
However, it is important to keep other livestock away from milk thistle, as it can cause nitrate poisoning in certain animals.
Goats And Milk Thistle: Exploring The Relationship
| Goats’ ability to graze milk thistle without ill effects |
| Goats reportedly can graze milk thistle with no ill effects, so it is possible to control small infestations with these animals. |
| Controlling small infestations with goats |
| Keep other livestock from eating milk thistle; it can cause nitrate poisoning. |
| Potential risk of nitrate poisoning from milk thistle for other livestock |
| It’s unlikely that milk thistle would hurt goats, as they reportedly can graze it with no ill effects. However, keep in mind that milk thistle can cause nitrate poisoning in other livestock. |
Goats’ Feeding Preferences: Are They Really Eating Milk Thistle?
Goats reportedly can graze milk thistle with no ill effects, so it is possible to control small infestations with these animals. Keep other livestock from eating milk thistle; it can cause nitrate poisoning. It’s unlikely it would hurt them.
If it’s the same milk thistle that people use as a supplement, the seeds are good for the liver. Some plants that make goats sick include pigweed, lambs quarter, kochia, and certain types of clovers.
While his goats will eat about anything, they do want weeds to be at the right stage of growth. Goats do very well on weeds, too. Milk thistle should not be served to goats because it can cause nitrate poisoning. Milk thistle identification and control is important to prevent unwanted effects on livestock.
| Plants that make goats sick | Pasture Plants that can Harm Goats |
|---|---|
| pigweed | pigweed |
| lambs quarter | lambs quarter |
| kochia | kochia |
| clovers | clovers – when fresh, dry is neutral |
| milk thistle |
Understanding Toxic Plants For Goats: Milk Thistle And More
| Goats reportedly can graze milk thistle with no ill effects, so it is possible to control small infestations with these animals. It’s unlikely that milk thistle will hurt goats. In fact, the seeds of milk thistle are known to be beneficial for liver health. However, caution should be taken to prevent other livestock from consuming milk thistle, as it can cause nitrate poisoning. |
| Common Toxic Plants for Goats |
| Some common toxic plants for goats include pigweed, lambs quarter, kochia, and clovers. Milk thistle is also considered toxic for ruminant animals. |
| Harmful Effects of Milk Thistle for Ruminant Animals |
| Milk thistle can cause nitrate poisoning in ruminant animals. Therefore, it is not recommended to serve milk thistle to goats or any other ruminant animals. |
| Nitrification and Its Impact on Milk Thistle Growth |
| Nitrophilic thistles like milk thistle tend to encroach on rangeland areas where animals gather and defecate, leading to their growth. However, targeted grazing by goats can be an effective method to control milk thistle infestations. |
Frequently Asked Questions For Do Goats Eat Milk Thistle
Is Thistle Safe For Goats?
Yes, thistle is safe for goats. They can graze on milk thistle without any adverse effects. However, it is important to keep other livestock away from milk thistle as it can cause nitrate poisoning. Goats have been known to prefer milk thistle and other weeds as part of their diet.
Is Milk Thistle Toxic To Livestock?
Milk thistle is not toxic to goats, and they can graze on it without any negative effects. However, other livestock should be kept from consuming milk thistle as it can cause nitrate poisoning. Goats are known to eat milk thistle with no ill effects.
Do Animals Eat Milk Thistle?
Goats can eat milk thistle without any issues, but other livestock should avoid it as it can cause nitrate poisoning. Goats reportedly graze milk thistle with no ill effects.
What Weeds Will Goats Not Eat?
Goats can eat most weeds, but they should avoid milk thistle as it can cause nitrate poisoning.
Conclusion
Goats can safely consume milk thistle without experiencing any negative effects. They can actually help control small infestations of milk thistle through grazing. However, it is important to keep other livestock away from milk thistle as it can cause nitrate poisoning.
Overall, milk thistle is not toxic to goats and can be included in their diet without any harm.
