Friday, October 4, 2024

Goat herding as Agroforestry: Goats love Willow and Alder!

 https://news.mongabay.com/2020/01/young-farmers-apply-ancient-agroforestry-practices-in-the-heart-of-sardinia/

 The goats eat fallen chestnuts, cherries and acorns, depending on the season, plus herbs, grasses, legumes and shrubs.

 The forests here remain safe, thanks in no small part to the grazing of goats under the care of their shepherds.

https://whistlebare.com/goats-willow-and-aspirin-a-story-of-folk-turned-fact/ 

 Well, for one thing, goats are traditionally ‘browsers’ – they like to eat higher-growing shoots and leaves on shrubs and small trees when given the opportunity (unlike sheep, which are ‘grazers’ – ie they feed along the ground), so willow is ideal, as it allows them to reach up and nibble on leaves growing higher up. 

They also seem to really like the taste, but on account of not speaking Goat, I can’t confirm that. Willow leaves might not have the same properties as willow bark, but they certainly can be used as a natural painkiller, as well as being an engaging and tasty source of food.

 Given that goats love willow so much, it’s excellent feed for the winter when stocks of grass hay are running low (or they’re getting fed up with it), and very easy to make. Willow also grows very quickly and abundantly, so there’s no risk of us damaging the trees.

https://www.thegoatspot.net/threads/what-are-your-goats-favorite-plants.147797/ 

 Willow. Specifically Salix exigua, also known as sandbar willow. It forms a brushy shrub, and they love eating all parts, the soft stems, bark, and leaves. I don't have the area on the property with all the willow fenced in, but I will walk them to that spot and let them eat all they want, or cut willow canes and deliver them to the goats.

 Willows, aspen, wild rose, dandelions, and thistles.

 Yes, goats can eat alder leaves. In fact, goats are natural browsers and enjoy eating the leaves, twigs, and buds of young alder trees.

Yummy willow leaves for goats - vid 

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