Lilac poisoning: Are my goats at risk? Lilac plants (Syringa spp.) are well-known for their vibrant and fragrant flowers, but concerns often arise about their safety for livestock consumption.
You may be wondering if you need to be wary of a lilac bush growing in your goats outdoor paddock, but rest easy: goats can eat lilac as it is a non-toxic shrub!
However, lilacs do contain compounds that can be toxic to animals, yet the extent of potential harm largely depends on the type of livestock and the quantity ingested. It isn’t cut and dried; read on to learn more about the specifics of letting your goats forage lilac!
Can Goats Safely Eat Lilac Plants: Flowers, Leaves, Branches
When it comes to lilacs, goats can indeed eat them, but precautions are necessary.
Lilac flowers, leaves, and branches are generally safe for goats when consumed in moderation. If there is a common lilac growing in their outdoor area, we recommend letting it be (unless you DON’T want them nibbling on it, then you best fence it off!)
However, introducing lilacs to your goats should be approached with care, as excessive consumption might lead to digestive upset.
This is truly the case with ANY new or novel foods you introduce to your goats, we maintain that with any new food source, gradual introduction is key in allowing your goats’ digestive systems to adapt.
Note: we’ve found that our goats are pretty smart, and tend to follow their instincts when it comes to eating and checking out new wild foods!
Are Lilacs Poisonous To All Livestock
Common lilacs (Syringa vulgaris) are generally considered to be of low toxicity to livestock, including goats.
But lilacs do contain compounds such as syringin and oleacein, which can both cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort if ingested in larger quantities.
Now if you have heard of lilacs being poisonous to livestock, you are probably thinking of Persian lilacs (Syringa persica).
Persian Lilac Vs. Common Lilac
While both Persian and Common lilac are part of the same genus, they have distinct characteristics.
The Common Lilac is renowned for its large, heart-shaped leaves and dense clusters of flowers in a range of colors.
On the other hand, the Persian Lilac is smaller in stature, with narrower leaves and more delicate flower clusters.
In addition, Persian lilacs contain higher concentrations of both syringin and oleacein, the natural, potentially toxic compounds within the lilac plant.
- Syringin: This compound is a glucoside, meaning it consists of a sugar molecule linked to another molecule (aglycone) through a glycosidic bond. Syringin is found in various parts of the lilac plant, including the leaves, flowers, and stems. While syringin itself is not highly toxic, larger quantities consumed by livestock, especially horses, can potentially lead to digestive discomfort, including gastrointestinal upset.
- Oleacein: This compound belongs to a class of compounds called secoiridoids. These compounds are known for their antioxidant properties. Oleacein is primarily found in the leaves of lilac plants. While its toxicity is not well-documented in the context of livestock consumption, it’s wise to exercise caution and prevent excessive consumption, as with any novel food source.
Remember that goats are generally selective in their browsing behavior and tend to avoid consuming toxic plants in large quantities!
In fact, other livestock such as horses seem to be more susceptible to lilac poisoning than goats. However, to ensure the well-being of your caprine herd, it’s advisable to monitor their access to Persian lilacs and any other potentially unfamiliar plants.
If you notice any signs of discomfort or unusual behavior, we suggest consulting a veterinarian experienced in livestock health can provide insights and recommendations!
What Does A Persian Lilac Look Like
The Persian Lilac is a shrub that can grow up to a height of 4 to 8 feet!
As stated, its leaves are elongated and lance-shaped, with a deep green color. The flowers of the Persian Lilac are often pale pink to lavender in color, and they appear in loose clusters.
The overall appearance of the Persian Lilac is more delicate compared to its common counterpart. This plant’s smaller size and finer features might influence the ease with which livestock, including goats, can access and consume its parts.
Are Lilacs Good For Goats
As a plant, lilacs automatically provide goats with some of the fiber and coarse cellulose matter their ruminant digestive system requires.
Did you know? Goats have four stomachs!
That said, they are not exceptionally noteworthy as a source of nutrients for goats. But we do suggest allowing your goats to browse any lilacs growing in their paddock, woody fibers can assist with digestion!
Frequently Asked Questions Related To Can Goats Have Lilacs
Are Lilacs Poisonous To Humans Too?
No, lilacs are not poisonous to humans, but they aren’t really palatable either! And if you were to ingest lots, you’d be at risk of the same ingestion livestock can experience with lilacs.
Learn more about lilacs in this great informational video!
Final Thoughts On Can Goats Eat Lilacs
As a generally safe food, unlike highly toxic avocados, you do not need to exclude lilacs from your goats’ outdoor foraging areas.
And while lilac plants have low-toxicity, we do recommend responsible management of their consumption by your goats, especially newly weaned goats or those with sensitive digestive systems.
Finally, as with introducing any new plants into the diet of livestock, moderation and monitoring are key to ensuring the animals’ well-being and health. And remember, if in doubt, consult your local veterinarian!