Can goats eat potatoes?

Potatoes are known for their beneficial properties for people; these tubers are also used in livestock farming, but not for all farm animals without exception. For example, in pig farming, boiled potatoes are given during fattening, and eating potatoes in any form ends in failure for rabbits. What about potatoes for goats - is it possible or not?

It is customary to begin all articles on feeding goats with a reminder of the complex digestive system of these animals, which requires a large amount of fiber to function properly. In the wild, goats feed primarily on fresh grass and small shrubs. When kept at home, goats, in addition to access to a range of natural vegetation or pasture, also receive grass hay and grain supplements in varying quantities, since, unlike their free-ranging relatives, domestic goats do not have constant pasture maintenance, and their productivity must be quite high . In a typical homestead, good grass hay should make up about half of the usual diet, another 25% is concentrated feed (in winter) and pasture (in summer), 15–20% is grain, the rest comes from treats, fruitsor vegetables. 

It is a well-established and proven belief that goats shouldn't eat much grain, and their sensitive digestive systems have a hard time digesting it - for the most part. The same can be said about potatoes, which are given to goats exclusively boiled. 

Of course, if a goat accidentally eats a slice of raw potato, there will be no fatal consequences. But raw potatoes , where the tubers have a high starch content, in large quantities will lead to problems with the sensitive stomach of goats, especially in lactating does and kids. Potato tops, which contain two harmful glycoalkaloids - solanine and chaconine, both of which are toxic, should not be given to any goats - neither males, nor females, nor, of course, kids. For the same reason, raw potato peelings with a high concentration of chaconine in the peel are completely excluded. If potatoes are grown nearby, you need to closely monitor your herd so that the animals do not go to eat the tops with the risk of poisoning, in addition to causing damage to the neighbor.

Boiled potatoes are another matter. Since potatoes are rich in healthy carbohydrates, vitamin C, potassium and phosphorus, when boiled they are a kind of energy drink for goats. Boiled potatoes can be given to horned pets in small quantities. 

In the case of store-bought potatoes, the tubers must be thoroughly washed with water so that no possible pesticides remain in them. After washing, boil in water, of course, without adding SALT. Whether to peel or not depends on the preferences and age of your animals; usually kids prefer peeled boiled potatoes, but adult goats can eat them with the skins on. At the same time, there is no guarantee that a goat, when fully fed, will want to eat only boiled potato peels without pulp - this is the idea of ​​feeding boiled potato peelings.

Once the potatoes are cooked, they should be cut into small pieces before serving to the goats to avoid choking hazards. Potatoes should not make up more than 20% of a goat's diet.