A study by Humphries and Reynolds confirmed the usefulness of nettles as a forage crop for cows. Production of milk was maintained when nettles were used to replace dry grass silage in the diet of lactating dairy cows [115] .
How do animals eat nettles?
Although the animals will not eat the plants when they are living, after the nettles are cut and dried they are a great fodder. Despite the fibrous stem of the plants, this food source is also easily digested by pigs, rabbits and poultry.
Do sheep eat stinging nettles?
Member. Yes, they seem to like them at this time of year or anytime they’ve been cut down.
Do horses eat nettles?
Horses don’t usually eat stinging nettle, but if they lie down or roll on the plant, glassy hairs from the plant’s leaves and stems cause a skin reaction characterized by wheals or hives and an intensely painful stinging sensation that may last 24 hours or more.
Do goats eat nettles?
They also really like multiflora rose, horseweeds, lambs- quarter, ragweed, and burdock.” Goats do very well on weeds, too. Smith says milk production takes a jump when a doe gets to feast on stinging nettles. “But one ate sting- ing nettles so long she lost her voice,” Smith laughs.
Is stinging nettle toxic to cows?
Department of Animal Science – Plants Poisonous to Livestock
Scientific Name: Urtica spp.
What’s the point of stinging nettles?
The nettle’s sting is an adaptation to provide protection from predators. The sting causes any predator that may eat the plant or uproot it to stay clear.
What animals eat stinging nettle?
Stinging nettles are great for wildlife
Peacock, red admiral, small tortoiseshell, comma and painted lady butterflies all have caterpillars whose only, or main, source of food is the nettle.
Will sheep eat thistles?
While both the Bull and Canadian thistle readily grow in a many a pasture, sheep won’t do more than nibble at tender tops. However, the leaves, flowers and stalks of the perennial sow thistle are consumed by these animals with great relish!
Can sheep eat dock leaves?
Docks are grazed off by cattle, sheep, goats and deer but not by horses. It has been suggested that sheep should be used to graze off seedling docks in the autumn and mature docks in March.
Are nettles poisonous?
Stinging nettle
If touched, these needle-like hairs inject the stinging acid into the skin, triggering a burning, tingling sensation and an itchy rash. Thankfully the symptoms usually do not persist longer than 24 hours. Interestingly, the cooked plant is safe to eat and is popular is some places as a vegetable.
Is stinging nettle a nightshade?
In the Midwest, the plant known as Red Dead-Nettle is actually a member of the Mint Family and the Horse Nettle (which is poisonous) is actually a Nightshade (Seymour, 1997). The true nettles belong to the Urticaceae, also known as the Nettle Family.
Is horse nettle the same as stinging nettle?
Therefore, horse nettle is not technically a “true nettle”; nettles are in a separate family (the Urticaceae). Nettles are infamous for the tiny irritating, stinging hairs on their stems and foliage. The word “horse,” as a plant adjective, implies something large, strong, or coarse.
How do you get rid of stinging nettles without killing the grass?
To get rid of stinging nettles, cut them down in early summer before they start to flower and use a garden fork to dig up the roots of the plants. Hoe beds regularly to kill stinging nettle seedlings, or dig up individual seedlings with a hand fork. To kill nettles in lawns, mow regularly.
Do goats eat nettles and thistles?
They will eat young thistles and brambles, as well as twigs, they also like bark from trees. Goats are inquisitive and will nibble and investigate most items (including the proverbial washing off the line!), but they are selective about what they actually eat.
Can goats eat horse nettle?
Any livestock—including cattle, sheep, goats and pigs as well as horses—may be poisoned after eating large quantities of horse nettle.
Do animals get stung by nettles?
Dogs typically get these stings because they’re curious and exploring. Typically, a dog will run by the nettle, and the hair tips – they’re angled and hollowed – will catch on to your dog, entering your pup’s skin and breaking upon contact.
Why is my dog eating nettles?
Not only will nettles help with reducing allergies, but due to their anti-inflammatory nature, they have can also help with the pain of arthritis. To treat your dog for allergies, simply add 1/2 tsp. of dried leaf per cup to their food daily during allergy season. You can do this all year long.
Can horses eat dead nettle?
Seemingly ubiquitous during early spring in some areas, the purple deadnettle (Lamium purpureum) is not toxic to horses.
Is being stung by nettles good for you?
General Uses. Stinging nettle has been used for hundreds of years to treat painful muscles and joints, eczema, arthritis, gout, and anemia. Today, many people use it to treat urinary problems during the early stages of an enlarged prostate (called benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH).
Can you eat nettles raw?
You might think that nettles would be difficult to eat raw, but actually they are fine. You can pop them into smoothies, juice them, or ferment them (I’m planning on making a lovely non-alcoholic water kefir nettle beer with my next batch). Nettles add a lovely mild flavour to any dish.
Elvira Bowen is a food expert who has dedicated her life to understanding the science of cooking. She has worked in some of the world’s most prestigious kitchens, and has published several cookbooks that have become bestsellers. Elvira is known for her creative approach to cuisine, and her passion for teaching others about the culinary arts.