Goats are natural foragers, and at our hobby farm we have learned over the years to be somewhat picky with what is available to them for nibbling; the last thing you want is a sick or seriously injured goat. This can be hard, as there are a number of unsuspecting toxic plants!
For example, the elephant ear plant is toxic to goats. While this plant is loved as a houseplant and grows outdoors in warm, tropical areas, it packs a serious punch and should never be offered to your goats.
Toxicity Of The Elephant Ear Plant
Elephant ears, scientifically known as Colocasia esculenta or Alocasia macrorrhizos, are most popular as ornamental plants because of their large, heart-shaped leaves.
However, they are highly toxic to both humans and animals due to the presence of oxalic acid and asparagine.
- Oxalic acid is also found in dark greens such as chard, spinach and beet greens; albeit in much, much smaller quantities!
- Asparagine is a non-essential amino acid that is found in high quantities in asparagus.
Both of these compounds are dangerous: the oxalic acid crystals will cause severe aggravation of the mouth, tongue, throat and stomach while oxalates bind with calcium upon leaving the body and cause kidney stones and urinary tract issues.
Moreover, asparagine exhibits strong influence over cancer or cancer-like cells, being found to promote cancerous cell growth in certain circumstances.
Plus, large amounts of oxalates in your goats’ diets will cause urinary calculi, painful and dangerous calcium solid build-up in the urinary tract! Note that urinary calculi is not a light issue and is often fatal to goats, especially young castrated male goats.
Will Goats Eat Poisonous Plants
In goats, ingestion of elephant ear leaves can lead to symptoms such as:
- Drooling
- Mouth and throat irritation
- Abdominal pain
- Digestive distress
In extreme cases, it can even be fatal if consumed in large quantities.
However, we have found that our goats are pretty savvy about avoiding harmful plants. Call it instinct mixed with proper dietary care: we provide our goats with the coarse, high fibers they require through unlimited hay and feed supplements (plus tasty fruit and veggie treats!) and they are far less likely to nose around and nibble on dangerous or toxic plants.
Regardless, it’s crucial to be vigilant and ensure that toxic plants like elephant ears are not accessible to your goats.
What To Do If A Goat Eats A Poisonous Plant
Uh oh! If you suspect that one of your goats has ingested a poisonous plant like elephant ears, it’s essential to act promptly.
We suggest contacting your veterinarian immediately and providing them with as much information as possible about the plant and the quantity consumed.
In some cases, inducing vomiting or administering activated charcoal may be necessary to mitigate the effects of the toxin, but we say follow the exact protocol and steps outlined by the vet. Remember: the quicker you seek professional help, the better the chances of a successful outcome for your goat!
Foraging Safety: Good Plants For Goats
Goats are foragers, they love to forage!
So if you live in an area where toxic elephant ear grows, keep it out of your goats’ outdoor paddock and provide them with a safe and varied diet instead.
Some excellent forage options for goats include grasses, legumes, and larger plants like blackberry bushes, raspberry canes, and other shrubs. Check out our post archive for more info on different plants that are great for goats.
What Flowers Can Goats Eat
Our goats love eating flowers. Some of their favorite include:
- Roses
- Sunflowers
- Dandelions
- Clover
These flowers are a sweet and valuable addition to their forage, plus they grow naturally in many different climates!
Frequently Asked Questions Related To Can Goats Have Elephant Ears
Is Elephant Ear Safe For Pets?
No, elephant ear plants are not safe for any animal to ingest, humans included. In fact, even getting the sap of the plant on you or your pet’s skin can cause serious irritation!
Final Thoughts On Can Goats Eat Elephant Ear Plant
Your goats should never be allowed to graze on toxic plants like elephant ears due to the severe health risks they pose.
Instead, provide your goats with a safe and diverse diet consisting of known forage plants and ensure they have access to fresh water at all times. Finally, if you suspect your goat has ingested a poisonous plant, we suggest seeking immediate veterinary assistance to safeguard their health and well-being.
For more information on plants toxic to goats read: