Goats' Airport Diet: What Do They Eat?

Goats have been used at airports such as O'Hare and San Francisco Airport to help control weeds and overgrown vegetation. They can also reduce the possibility of wildlife wandering onto airport property, which can interfere with airport safety and operations. Goats are known to eat a variety of things, including grass, shrubs, twigs, and tree leaves. They also eat fruits and vegetables, but some plants and foods are toxic to them, such as avocado, rhubarb, and certain nightshade plants.

Goats at airports eat grass and weeds

Goats are increasingly being used at airports to help with vegetation management. They can mow up to 90% of mowable areas, reducing the need for gas-powered equipment and harsh chemicals. They are also lightweight, reducing property damage, and can get onto inclines and closer to structures than traditional mowers.

Goats are natural foragers with a hearty appetite and will eat almost anything in front of them. However, their diet requires careful management to ensure they avoid toxic plants, which can be harmful or even fatal. At airports, their diet consists of grass and weeds, which they eat while grazing. They also eat shrubs and tree leaves, and in captivity, they are often fed hay. Legume hays, such as alfalfa hay, are higher in nutrients than grass hays. Goats can also eat small amounts of fruits and vegetables as treats, although some, like avocado, rhubarb, and certain nightshade plants, are toxic to them.

Goats used at airports are part of a grazing herd, which can also include other animals such as donkeys, llamas, and alpacas. These herds help control weeds and overgrown vegetation, removing potential wildlife habitats for birds and other animals that could interfere with airport safety and operations.

They also eat twigs, shrubs and brush

Goats are known to eat a variety of things, and are especially good at maintaining airport landscapes. They are used at airports like O'Hare in Chicago and Seattle-Tacoma International to control weeds and overgrown vegetation. They also help to reduce the wildlife threat by reducing the potential habitat for birds and other animals that could interfere with airport safety and operations.

Goats are natural foragers with a hearty appetite, and they love to browse different plants and grasses. They are known to eat twigs, shrubs, and brush, improving the pasture for cattle and sheep. They can also eat grass hay, orchard grass, and legume hays such as alfalfa hay, which provide essential fibre for digestion.

Goats require a well-balanced diet with a careful mix of forages, minerals, and supplements to meet their nutritional needs. They can eat small amounts of fruits and vegetables as treats, but some plants are toxic to them, including avocado, rhubarb, and certain nightshade plants. It is important to monitor what a goat is eating to prevent health issues.

Goats can be used to elevate the aesthetic appeal of airport exteriors while decreasing the need for gas-powered equipment and harsh chemicals. They are lightweight, reducing property damage, and can mow on various inclines and close to structures. Goats are also eco-friendly, helping to reduce carbon emissions and noise levels.

Fruits and vegetables can be part of a goat's diet

Goats are known for their diverse and adaptable diets, making them great for managing vegetation in airports and elsewhere. They are natural foragers with a preference for browsing on different plants and grasses. While they can eat a wide variety of plant materials, it is important to be mindful of what they eat, as some foods are toxic to them.

When it comes to vegetables, goats can safely consume carrots, corn (up to 10% of their daily diet), lettuce leaves, cucumber ends, and pumpkin. They can also eat the carrot tops and apple cores left over from preparing human meals. However, it is important to avoid feeding goats certain vegetables, such as potato skins, which contain solanine, a toxin harmful to goats. Other vegetables to avoid include onions, garlic, avocado, and some species of cabbage.

It is crucial to ensure that the fruits and vegetables fed to goats are free from contaminants and have not been treated with herbicides, pesticides, fertilizers, or other chemicals, as these can be harmful to their health. Additionally, due to their sensitive mouths and digestive systems, it is important to avoid feeding goats any garden waste with thorns or spines, such as rose trimmings or cactus pads, as these can cause injuries or blockages in their digestive tract.

Goats require minerals and supplements

Goats are curious creatures with a reputation for eating just about anything. However, their diet requires careful management to ensure it is well-balanced and includes a variety of forages, minerals, and supplements. This is especially important for airport goats, which play a vital role in maintaining the aesthetics and safety of the airport grounds.

Goats are natural foragers and browsers, which means they enjoy exploring and feeding on different plants and grasses. A typical goat diet includes high-quality forage like grass hay and orchard grass, which provide the essential fibre they need for healthy digestion. While they can graze on pastureland, it is crucial to ensure they avoid toxic plants, as these can be harmful or even poisonous.

Goats require a balanced diet that provides all the essential nutrients to maintain their health. Key nutrients for goats include protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals. The specific requirements for each of these nutrients depend on factors such as the goat's age, weight, and reproductive status. For example, young goats and lactating does require more protein than adult goats to support their growth and milk production. Similarly, lactating goats have higher calcium needs to sustain milk production and prevent health issues like parturient paresis (milk fever).

In addition to these core nutrients, goats also require various minerals to stay healthy. Zinc, manganese, fluoride, and cobalt are needed in trace amounts and are usually sufficient in a regular diet. However, cobalt may need to be supplemented in areas where it is deficient in the soil, as it is essential for the production of certain vitamins by rumen microorganisms. Copper is another important mineral for goats, supporting their coat health, reproductive system, and immune system by reducing parasites. Selenium is also a key mineral, boosting the goat's immune system, reducing worms, and supporting reproduction.

Supplements play a crucial role in ensuring goats receive all the necessary nutrients. For example, goats in mineral-deficient areas may require selenium supplements to stay healthy. Similarly, iodine is deficient in some soils in the US, and goats in these areas may benefit from iodized salt supplements. Salt itself is an important supplement for goats, playing a role in many bodily functions. However, it is essential to monitor salt intake, as some goats may overindulge.

Some foods are toxic to goats

Goats are curious creatures with a reputation for eating just about anything. However, it is important to be cautious about what they consume, as some foods and plants are toxic to them. While goats can be used to maintain airport landscapes, their diet must be carefully managed to ensure they avoid toxic plants, which could be harmful or even fatal.

Goats are natural foragers, and their diet includes high-quality forage like grass hay and orchard grass, which provides essential fibre for digestion. They also enjoy browsing on different plants and grasses. Small amounts of fruits and vegetables can supplement their diet, but it is crucial to be mindful of toxic substances. Avocados, rhubarb leaves, and certain nightshade plants, such as azaleas, China berries, sumac, and honeysuckle, should be avoided as they can be harmful. Citrus fruits can be fed in moderation, although some goats may not like the sour taste. Apples, carrots, and pumpkins are safe treats that provide extra vitamins and fibre.

The sensitivity to toxins can vary among different breeds and species of goats. Additionally, the toxicity of some fruits and vegetables may depend on factors such as ripeness, sun exposure, and temperature. Pesticides, herbicides, and rodenticides can also cause toxicosis in goats if ingested. While organic produce is safe, it is important to peel or scrub non-organic fruits and vegetables to remove any traces of these chemicals.

Some other unexpected items that can be toxic to goats include certain wood stains and paints. Goats may try to chew on painted surfaces, so it is important to use animal-friendly or "livestock-friendly" products. Even non-toxic produce can cause health issues if consumed in large quantities. Therefore, it is always best to be cautious and avoid feeding anything to goats if you are unsure about its safety.

Frequently asked questions