Can Goats Eat English Ivy?
English ivy (Hedera helix) is an invasive perennial vine that spreads aggressively. It can take over landscapes and choke out native plant species by blocking sunlight. Property owners often seek ways to control English ivy through manual removal or using animals like goats to graze it down.
Are Goats an Option for Removing English Ivy?
Goats have voracious appetites and will consume a wide variety of plant material. Some people do utilize goats to help control English ivy growth. However, there are some important factors to consider first.
English ivy contains insoluble calcium oxalates and saponins that can be irritating. Eating large volumes may cause livestock digestive upset. Providing adequate alternative browse is crucial so goats don't only consume ivy.
The plant portions must also be accessible. Goats prefer to eat vegetation around 3 feet high or less. For larger vines that grow up trees and structures, goats would not be able to graze the foliage.
Rotation Grazing Recommended
Rotating goats through infested areas and providing adjacent pens of alternative browse allows fresh ivy access while preventing potential toxicity. Never let goats free-graze pure stands of English ivy.
Even with rotation, some goats may still experience minor stomach upset from oxalates. Offering a high-fiber diet, plenty of water, and calcium supplements helps mitigate risk.
Most Effective on Young Growth
Goats can be useful at controlling new English ivy growth when stems are young, green, and low to the ground. For well-established infestations with thick, mature vines, goats will likely have little impact.
Getting ivy growth under control when patches first emerge improves grazing effectiveness. But stopping propagation requires addressing the root system through manual digging once established.
In Conclusion
With precautions taken and expectations properly set, utilizing goats to control early growth of English ivy may be feasible. However, well-established infestations require more thorough removal methods.
Exploring integrated vegetation management combining limited grazing with selective herbicide use, mulching, and manual uprooting by properly protected land managers provides the best control results.
FAQs
Is English ivy toxic to goats?
English ivy contains oxalates and saponins that can cause stomach upset if goats consume too much. Providing supplemental feed, minerals, and water can help prevent toxicity.
What precautions should be taken with goats grazing ivy?
Never allow unrestrained grazing as this risks overconsumption. Rotate goats between fenced ivy areas and pens with alternative plants. Control new growth before mature vines establish.
What goats work best for clearing English ivy?
Meat goat breeds like Boers, Kikos, and Spanish provide efficient vegetation control. Angora goats also have excellent foraging abilities despite their small size.
Is grazing an effective long-term control method?
For new growth under 3 feet, goats can help suppress regrowth when rotated. But well established mature vines require manual digging out by the roots to fully eradicate patches.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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