Goats are wonderful creatures. They are very much misunderstood and discarded as unintelligent creatures, generally looked upon as eaters of unwanted weeds. Quite often they are purchased as ‘lawn mowers’ by people with little understanding of their physiological and psychological needs. In fact, goats are pickers rather than grazers and they do better on a mixture of grasses and weeds rather than lawns or grassy paddocks. Goats like plant and tree roughage and weeds. Some weeds can be beneficial to their health. Some, however, can be very detrimental.
I was given an old nanny goat some years ago who taught me plenty about the feeding needs of goats and their delightful way of communication.Lucy was an excellent communicator which allowed me to experience a happy contented pet that died peacefully from old age not disease or injury.
Goats make wonderful, comical pets but have particular dietary needs which must be met or they can quickly become very ill.
"Like all animals, goats can suffer from arthritis and stiffness, most often from lack of minerals."
I used to tether Lucy at times around the property and took notice of the herbs she was seeking. Lucy?s favourite spot was at the bower of the willow tree. She would do anything to get to the leaves and branches; in the end she made a perfectly even trimmed tree.
From this observation Lucy always received a bucket feed with chaff with Joint Yoga herbal blend, seaweed meal, linseed meal, dolomite and the odd treat (barley).
Like all animals, goats can suffer from arthritis and stiffness, most often from lack of minerals. Herbs provide great ease to these painful conditions. The addition of minerals/vitamins to the diet will also help greatly. There are many herbs to support circulation and aid in better mobility.
In the herbal world where there are arthritic conditions of any type it is best to give herbs that play different roles in the body. I look at the best herbal treatment by way of blood cleansing, increase circulation, passive diuretics deal with pain and discomfort and use herbs to lower inflammation. Often this is why herbal programs can be more effective than mainstream medication, because the herbs are filtering and dispersing waste such as acid deposited in joints.
Listed below are three herbs directly effective for such issues.
I have used these herbs for animals Australia wide with brilliant success.
White Willow
salix albaParts used: bark and leaves
Actions: analgesic (pain relief), anti-inflammatory, tonic, antiseptic, febrifugal (reduces fever)
Uses: Ideal for rheumatism, arthritic conditions, inflammation, fevers, colic and cramp. It contains salicylic acid in the bark, this is responsible for its ant-inflammatory action on the body. Our modern day asprin was reported to be formulated from this constituent found in meadowsweet and willow bark. White willow bark does not come with the same health risks as aspirin. The two are very different. This herb has been known to be very safe and gentle. It contains good levels of magnesium. I recommend 1 tablespoon daily.Devils Claw
harpogophytum procumbentParts used: roots
Actions: anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anti-rheumatic, digestive stimulant
Uses: In cases of arthritic conditions, degenerative joint disorder and bony changes.
Contains good levels of iron and magnesium
Not to be used with pregnant animals or where stomach ulcers are indicated.
2 teaspoons dailyComfrey (aka knitbone, bruisewort)
symphytum officinaleParts used: leaves
Actions: demulcent, anti-inflammatory, vulnerary, pulmonary, expectorant
Uses: Comfrey is a very famous plant for healing. One of my favourites that I use for many conditions and mixes. As its name suggests it has been used for amazing powers of healing and regenerating bone, cartilage and connective tissue. Comfrey contains allantoin which stimulates cell production. The Comfrey leaf herb aids in healing, both internal and external.
Excellent source of vitamin B12. There is endless uses for comfrey but for the goat could be a great short term herb for regeneration in joints.
2 tablespoons daily of dried leaf herb over 12 weeks. Double up if using fresh comfrey.
Can be given in intervals.
How to Prepare:
- The herbs can be combined.
- Infusing... or simply making a cup of tea for your goat. For best results cover the herbs with boiling water, let sit for a few minutes.
Add water and herbs to feed. - For busy people?make up the above mix into a flask so it will keep brewing all day until you can make up the feeds.
- If you are not in a position to use boiling or hot water, then add the herbs dry into the feed. The reason for infusing is to allow the water to draw the constituents out of the plant. The water will be absorbed better by the internal systems, and makes the method stronger and more economical.
Suggested goat vitamin/mineral daily intake:
The following are great additions to your goats overall health and well being. The following will not increase weight but will bring noticeable health to skin, coat condition and hooves. It is great for show goats or breeding stock. Feed out and mix with herbs and lucerne or oaten chaff.
- Seaweed meal: give this in a bowl for the goats to eat at lib. This is powdered bull kelp sourced from the shores of Tasmania. It provides an effective mineral source for your goats.
- Rosehip granules: 2 teaspoons
- Linseed meal: 2 tablespoons
- Dolomite: 2 teaspoons
- Black sunflower seeds: 2 tablespoons
About the Author:
Tracey Brown is an animal herbalist and owner of Browns Animal Herbals. Tracey has a background in human and animal herbalism, equine myofunctional therapy, herbal manufacturing and Bach Flower Therapy, specialising in horse health and natural remedies.
Leave Comment Below