[chris30523]

Our fall cutting hay this year is going to have alot of johnson grass in it. Will it hurt goats?When I say alot I mean about 10% the rest is orchard grass bermuda and some fescue.

 

[Jim S.]

Nope. Johnsongrass is darned good hay where we are (it is a noxious weed in the grain states), and as long at it has NOT been frosted, it will be fine. Buck that has been frosted and then cut or grazed produces a neurotoxin.

This site is overly alarmist, but it does tell the tale....I have never had any trouble with Johnsongrass or Johnsongrass hay...

http://www.vet.purdue.edu/depts/addl/toxic/plant43.htm

 

[Jim S.]

Here's a more Southern perspective on it, Chris...see page 2...

http://msucares.com/newsletters/agronomy/2005/7.pdf

 

[DQ]

http://animalscience.ag.utk.edu/bee...AYBESOURCEOFTOXICITYTOCATTLEDURINGDROUGHT.pdf

 

[chris30523]

Sounds like if we ever get all the fence done, I can put the horses on hay field and let them kill it off. We didn't have much 4 years ago,but this year the drought slowed the growth on everything but the johnsongrass and then when it rained "BANG" we have johnson grass 6ft tall(chicken litter).Glad to hear it will make good goat hay. Just have to make sure it cures for a week or so in the barn.