Some tree parts are fine in small amounts. Bitter almond leaves contain the compound cyanogenic diglucoside amygdalin, releasing toxic hydrogen cyanide in the animal.įoliage of Taxus cuspidata, or Japanese Yew, which is highly toxic in any quantity. These trees can cause significant distress to goats if the leaves are consumed when wilted. The Prunus family of trees, for example, consists of plums, cherries, peaches, nectarines, apricots, and almonds and are common on homesteads. It’s worth noting what trees you might find regionally or specifically on your property. Yew (all species, including African and Japanese).Chinaberry tree (Persian lilac, white cedar, Texas umbrella tree).Here are some of the most common toxic trees: Over 700 plants in North America are considered toxic, not to mention hundreds of exotic species used as ornamentals.

Treatments must be rapid: remove the animals from the pasture where the toxic plants are found, get the affected animals into dry, warm, shaded areas, let them drink clean water, and (of course) call a veterinarian immediately. Symptoms of plant poisoning can range from mild (reduced activity, reduced food intake) to severe (lack of coordination, convulsions, blindness, erratic behavior, quick death). Goats may also get “mechanical injury” by consuming plants with spines, fine hairs, burs, alkali crystals, or other abrasives that can damage the gut. Acute poisons are immediately life threatening. There are two types of poisoning: chronic and acute. It’s up to you to know what toxic plants are in your area. While proximity to toxic plants is crucial in prevention, sound management is more critical. If they’re able to browse on a wide variety of plants, nibbling on a plant with poisonous compounds may not be fatal (with a few exceptions) because the detrimental effects are diluted. Sadly, a major reason behind poisoning in goats is starvation, when the animals are desperate and will eat anything.īut goats are also just plain curious, a trait that can get them in trouble. Overgrazing, drought, or unbalanced rations can drive goats into eating toxic plants. Under normal circumstances, goats avoid poisonous plants. A huge factor in poisoning is whether the nutritional needs of the animals are being met.

Purple tree frog smallest goat