That was stupid.

postroad · #1 07/28/14, 10:32 AM

Duh!! Left about 35 Irish potato tops next to the fence after digging a bed.

Needless to say, this morning they were all gone and the Dexters looking at me for more.

They all looked happy and healthy. So just how poisonous is a potato plant?

I will be keeping an eye on the herd for the next couple of days. The plants were dug Friday and were still there yesterday. But this morning they were all gone.

Feeling a little nervous.

Awnry Abe · #2 07/28/14, 09:06 PM

Dexters, being Irish, are fine with Irish potato tops. If they were Yukon gold's, you'd be in real trouble.

...In all seriousness, I have no idea. Cows browse just like goats, and get into all sorts of good--and bad--foliage.

postroad · #3 07/28/14, 09:23 PM

So far they all look peachy. Maybe they are immune to the deadly nightshade?

Ha ha, maybe Irish Dexters can eat Irish potato leaves with impunity?

idigbeets · #4 07/29/14, 05:38 AM

AFAIK nightshades vary in toxicity, and also if they are stressed, e.g. recently uprooted or extreme drought etc. I know our cattle have nibbled american nightshade from time to time, but it must be a by weight thing....

postroad · #5 07/29/14, 07:51 AM

So far they look unaffected.

genebo · #6 07/29/14, 06:26 PM

Lots of things are bad for them if eaten in sufficient quantities. Some of the same things not only don't hurt them in small quantities, they might even do them some good.

Poke salad comes to mind. In small quantities, it works like a wormer.

Acorns, willow limbs and fruit tree limbs are like that. A little bit is fine, but a lot can be bad.