Can Goats Eat Acorns

Toxic Or Not: Can Goats Eat Acorns Safely?

Acorns are the fruit (commonly called a nut) of any oak tree. Oak trees produce acorns in masting events, which happen irregularly (not every year) but in unison (across all trees) in a certain area. 

Due to the random and bountiful eventing of oak trees’ masting, you may be wondering if it is okay to let your goats forage in an area with oaks and acorns present.

The short answer is: Yes, goats can eat small amounts of acorns without any negative reaction. However, because acorns and other parts of the oak tree are extremely high in plant tannins, they are toxic to goats if ingested in large amounts. 

It’s not so easy or clear-cut when it comes to acorns for goats, so let’s take a closer look at these nuts.

Are Oak Trees Toxic To Goats

Oak trees are well-known for their high tannin content. Tannins are secondary plant compounds that are extremely bitter and astringent. 

They have been historically used for natural dyeing and the tanning of animal hides and are found in the fruits, branches and leaves of the oak trees. 

Tannins naturally bind to proteins, amino acids, and alkaloids whether inside the body or out, which is a major reason why too many acorns can be harmful to your goats. 

Acorn Toxicity: The Facts

As the fruit of the oak tree, acorns naturally contain tannins. 

Researchers have found that up to 3.48% of an acorn’s dried matter is pure tannins. While this may not seem like a lot, it is enough to put your goats digestive systems at risk of acorn toxicity if lots of nuts are ingested. 

Acorn toxicity occurs when the presence of too much tannins or ‘tannic acid’ causes an issue in protein absorption within the digestive system(remember, tannins bind to proteins!). The result is serious damage to the entire gastrointestinal system, the liver, and the kidneys. 

To learn more about a goat’s complicated, four-stomach digestive system, read our post on How Many Stomachs Do Goats Have

What Are The Symptoms Of Acorn Poisoning In Goats

Common symptoms of acorn poisoning in goats usually develop 3-7 days post consumption and can include:

  • Constipation followed by extreme diarrhea 
  • Smell of ammonia on breath
  • Blood in urine
  • Weight loss
  • Dehydration
  • Bloating 
  • Chunks of acorn in feces
  • Edema 
  • Aborted pregnancies 

If you think your goat has eaten too many acorns, or parts of the oak tree, call your local vet immediately as mortality rates for oak poisoning in livestock is as high as 70%. 

Another food that shouldn’t be freely given to goats in chocolate. Read our post on Chocolate For Goats to learn more! 

How Many Acorns Can Goats Eat

Acorn toxicity is a serious issue during a masting year, when all the oaks around you will produce many acorns, or after a large storm or wind event, when many acorns can be knocked to the ground. 

Unfortunately, oak trees have a bittersweet flavor which livestock tend to enjoy; a characteristic can encourage overconsumption. 

Truly, the best method of prevention is limiting your goats’ access to the oak trees. Remember, it’s not just the acorns that can cause issues: ingesting too many leaves and twigs from the oak trees can also be toxic! 

When we notice that there are lots of acorns on the ground, we limit our goats’ time under or around the oak trees by: 

  • Shifting their paddock or foraging area to another space
  • Fencing off around the oak tree to limit their access to the leaves, branches, and fallen nuts. 

If we do give our goats access to acorns, it is no more than 3-4 hours a day under or around an oak tree. We also always ensure they have access to unlimited hay and other green foraging areas. 

Note that acorns can be a real issue during a dry year if there isn’t much else to eat, as your goats will naturally turn to the nutty fruit of the oak tree. If this is the case you must be very attentive and offer your goats supplemental greens, veggies, and other safe and nutritious foods.

Can Sheep Eat Acorns?

Similar to goats, sheep can eat small amounts of acorns without issues. However, sheep are even more susceptible to acorn poisoning than goats, so be extra wary!

Can Pigs Eat Acorns?

Yes, pigs can eat acorns. In fact, they are not as sensitive to tannins as other livestock and can eat acorns in larger amounts than goats, sheep, or cows and have historically been used to clean up acorn dense areas before other livestock were allowed to forage or graze. 

Want to learn more about acorn poisoning and livestock? Watch this video for some great information! 

Final Thoughts On Can Goats Eat Acorns Safely

Acorn nuts can provide your goats with a boost of proteins and fats and be an enjoyable, bittersweet snack in small amounts. 

But due to their high tannin content, limiting your goats’ access to acorns and oak trees must be taken seriously. 

We do not recommend allowing your goats to browse under fruiting oak trees for much longer than 3-4 hours daily and suggest keeping a close eye on them all the same.

Acorns and oaks are not a plant to mess with and we will err on the side of caution if unsure…after all, raising healthy and happy goats is our passion! 

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