Can Goats Eat Lavender?

 

Lavender is an aromatic and versatile plant. It is used for culinary, medicinal, and cosmetic purposes. These uses make lavender one of the most versatile plants in the world and it is now an essential part of many home gardens. With plenty of benefits, lavender is also controversial and there are many myths associated with the plant. Can goats eat lavender? Find out the answer in this article!

Can Goats Eat Lavender?

No, goats cannot eat Lavender. Normally the scent of lavender would most often drive them away as it is too strong for them. Besides that lavender is also poisonous to goats and should not be fed to them. If you have goats, make sure that you keep this in mind when decorating your garden with lavender.

Why is lavender poisonous to goats?

Lavender is a plant that is commonly found in gardens and landscaping. Its scent is so calming and relaxing that many people plant it for that reason. But as it turns out, lavender is also toxic to goats. The leaves of the plant contain a chemical called S-linalool. S-Linalool is a natural compound found in lavender, which is why it smells so good. This compound is what causes the toxicity of lavender to goats. 

Can Goats Eat Dried Lavender?

No, goats cannot eat dried lavender. Dried Lavender offers no nutritional value to goats in any way. However, dried lavender can be used as bedding for your goats so it is not all bad. 

Is the Scent of Lavender also Poisonous to Goats?

The scent of lavender usually elicits some reaction from goats, who are usually averse to the scent.

The scent of the lavender plant is not harmful to the health of goats when inhaled, but the scent emanating from lavender is intolerable to goats.

So, the scent does not affect their health in any way but they usually avoid the plant as the scent is too strong for them. 

What will happen if I Feed Lavender to Goats?

Lavender plants are generally non-toxic in nature, but eating enough of the plant can lead to dangerous bowel obstructions. Symptoms of bowel obstruction usually appear about 24 hours after eating something that cannot be digested. Symptoms of severe bowel obstruction include:

Loss of Appetite

Loss of appetite in goats is a common problem that can affect both adults and young goats. The most common cause of loss of appetite in goats is poisoning. If you notice your goat is losing weight or has a decreased appetite, it is important to take them to the vet to make sure there is not something more serious going on.

Inability to pass stool

The inability to pass stool in goats is a condition that can happen when they are in a lot of pain. It is also a condition that can be caused by many different things. The causes of this condition vary, but the most common causes are pain and diarrhea from poisoning. To help the goat pass the stool, you can try giving them some water and hay. You can also try massaging the colon, which will help stimulate the muscles in the body to push the stool out. If you suspect your goat is experiencing this problem, it is important to take them to the vet as soon as possible. 

Fever 

Fever in goats is a common sign of illness. It can happen for a variety of reasons, including bacterial or viral infections, parasites, or injury. Symptoms of fever in goats include shivering, lethargy, and a higher body temperature than usual. To treat fever in goats, it is important to get them to a veterinarian as soon as possible.

Distended abdomen

A distended abdomen is a condition in goats characterized by an enlarged, swollen stomach and intestines. Distended abdomens are a result of the goat’s food intake. Distended abdomens are very uncomfortable for the goat, and they are at risk of peritonitis, which is a life-threatening condition. To help relieve the pain and discomfort, it is important to provide the goat with some form of pain relief. In severe cases, the vet will prescribe antibiotics and have the goat put on a feeding tube for fluids to help with hydration.

Bloating 

Bloating is a common condition in goats. It is caused by the animal’s digestive system not working properly, usually due to a problem with the stomach. There are many different symptoms of bloating in goats, but the most common ones include gas, gurgling noises, and distension of the abdomen. The best way to prevent bloating in goats is to feed them a diet that is high in roughage, which is a type of fiber that helps to move food through the digestive system quickly. If you notice your goat is experiencing bloating, it should be checked by a vet as soon as possible.

Alternatives to Lavender in a Goat’s Diet

Now that we know lavender is poisonous to goats, what plants can be an alternative to lavender in a goat’s diet?

Sunflower

Sunflowers have been used as a food source for centuries, but they are not just for humans. Sunflowers have been used to feed goats and other animals. Sunflowers are a great source of food for goats. They contain fiber and protein and can help goats maintain a healthy weight. Sunflower seeds also contain essential nutrients like proteins, vitamins, minerals, and carbohydrates.

Dandelions

Dandelions are a common weed that can be found in many yards and gardens. This type of plant is a great option for goats because it is a rich source of protein and fiber. Goats also love eating dandelions because they contain large amounts of vitamins and minerals. Dandelions are also very easy to grow and will thrive in most types of soil. One of the most underrated benefits of feeding dandelions to goats is that it helps improve their digestion. 

Conclusion

Goats cannot eat Lavender. Lavender is regarded as a poisonous plant to goats. This is because lavender contains a chemical compound known as s-linalool. This compound is responsible for the strong scent of lavender and it is poisonous to goats. Feeding lavender to goats can cause several health problems.