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Goats have been given a bad reputation concerning their eating habits. While it is true that most goats are not picky about their diet, this doesn't necessarily have to be bad thing. Their unique digestive system allows goats to consume some weeds that may be poisonous to other animals without having much affect like bracken fern. Although you don't want a goat to consume large amounts of poisonous weeds, there are some plants and weeds that are beneficial to a goat's diet.

Dandelion

Dandelions are not only safe for goats, they are also safe for human consumption. Many people eat dandelions as part of a healthy diet. The claims that dandelion can aid in anemia, lower cholesterol, and may even prevent certain types of cancer have many convinced that this is more than just a common weed.

Dandelion is known for its bitter taste which is not appreciated by other animals including horses and sheep. However goats enjoy this tasty plant and some cattle owners have made claims that when dandelion is fed to cows, milk production increases.

Yarrow

Found in many parts of the world including Europe and the United States, yarrow has been used for centuries in herbal remedies. The oil found in yarrow contains lactones, alkamides, and antioxidants which are believed to aid against high blood pressure. Yarrow has been used as a remedy for diarrhea which may be a benefit for goats that have scours.

Chicory

For centuries, the chicory root has been used as a coffee substitute. However, in many parts of the world this herb is used not only by humans but purposely grown in grazing pastures for cattle and sheep. Chicory has a long list of beneficial vitamins, nutrients, flavonoids, protein and fiber. Hindu cultures use chicory to help with stomach disorders including diarrhea and vomiting while the seeds are infused and used to treat anxiety and insomnia.

Thistle

The seeds of the thistle are collected and used in herbal remedies. A member of the sunflower family, milk thistle is plentiful in antioxidants which are known to remove free radicals from the body. Thistle is a common nuisance for ranchers and farmers who prefer not to use pesticides on their grazing pastures. Goats love to dine on thistle and can save pastures from becoming over-ran by this unwanted weed.

Wild daisies, nettle, poison ivy and plantain are also safe weeds for goats to consume although it is never recommended to let goats feed on weeds alone. There are many countries that use goats to control weeds. A study led by a British Columbia professor was done in the area of Prince George. The study concluded that goats can clear land of pesky weeds like horsetails that would normally be controlled by pesticides. In conclusion, the study remarked what many goat owners already knew. Goats are an effective source of clearing unwanted vegetation including weeds and are safer for the environment compared to harmful pesticides.

References:

STOREY'S GUIDE TO RAISING DARY GOATS by Jerry Belanger

http://www.cbc.ca/consumer/sto ry/2008/11/06/goats-weeds.html

Learn more about this author, Angela Pollock.
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