Goats, often dubbed the “lawnmowers of nature,” have a versatile palate. But just because they’re known to eat almost anything doesn’t mean they should. Goat owners need to know what’s safe and what’s not for their goats so that their goats are healthy and happy.
Goats are curious and adventurous eaters who enjoy exploring new plants. As a goat owner, you may wonder if green bean plants can be a healthy part of your goat’s diet. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about feeding green bean plants to goats.
Green beans, also known as snap beans or string beans, refer to the unripe fruit and pods of various cultivars of the common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris). They are a popular vegetable grown throughout the world.
The green bean plant is a warm season annual that thrives in full sun exposure and nutrient-rich soil There are two main types of green beans
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Bush beans – bushes grow upright to 2 feet tall and do not require trellising. They reach maturity quickly within 45-60 days.
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Pole beans – vines can grow 6-10 feet long and require trellises or poles for support They mature more slowly than bush beans
Green bean cultivars come in a diverse range of pod types, colors, and flavors. Some common varieties include Blue Lake, Contender, Provider, Kentucky Wonder, and Roma II.
Nutritional Value of Green Beans
Green beans are an excellent source of various vitamins, minerals, and beneficial plant compounds:
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Vitamin C – One cup contains 14% of the RDI of this antioxidant vitamin. It supports immune health and collagen production.
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Vitamin K – Necessary for blood clotting. One cup provides 17% of the RDI.
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Folate – Helps produce red blood cells. One cup contains 9% of the RDI.
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Vitamin A – Important for eye health and immune function. Green beans have 10% of the RDI per cup.
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Manganese – A trace mineral that supports bone health and metabolism. Green beans contain 11% of the RDI per cup.
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Fiber – Promotes healthy digestion and gut bacteria. One cup provides 9% of the RDI.
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Protein – Essential for tissue repair and growth. One cup contains 5 grams of plant-based protein.
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Polyphenols – Antioxidants with anti-inflammatory effects. Abundant in green beans.
Are Green Bean Plants Safe For Goats to Eat?
The good news is that all parts of the green bean plant, including the leaves, vines, pods, and beans, are safe and nutritious for goats to consume. Green beans contain nutrients like vitamin A, vitamin C, and calcium that goats need in their diet.
Goats enjoy munching on the tender leaves and vines of green bean plants. The fibrous stems and pods are also easy for goats to digest.
However, it’s important to introduce green bean plants slowly at first to allow the goat’s digestive system to adjust. Monitor for any signs of bloating or diarrhea, which could indicate feeding too much too fast.
Always ensure green bean plants are free of pesticides and other chemicals. Organic, home-grown green beans are the best option. Thoroughly wash store-bought produce as well.
Benefits of Feeding Green Bean Plants to Goats
Adding green bean plants to a goat’s diet offers several health benefits:
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High in protein – The leaves contain up to 30% protein on a dry matter basis, supporting muscle growth and milk production.
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Rich in vitamins and minerals – Green bean plants provide goats with important vitamins like A, C, K and minerals such as calcium, phosphorus and zinc.
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Supports digestion – The fiber in stems and pods encourages chewing and promotes a healthy rumen environment.
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Antioxidants – Compounds like flavonoids and carotenoids act as antioxidants to reduce inflammation.
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Variety – Green bean plants add diversity to the diet and provide goats with novel flavors and textures to enjoy.
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Weed control – Goats will happily munch on any green bean plants that get overgrown or invasive in the garden.
How to Feed Green Bean Plants to Goats
Here are some tips for successfully incorporating green bean plants into your goat’s diet:
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Introduce slowly, starting with just a few leaves or pods daily.
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Chop or mash pods and stems to make them easier to digest.
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Limit treats to around 10% of the total daily dry matter intake.
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Ensure goats have free access to hay and fresh water at all times.
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Pick plants free of wilts, mold or other diseases. Discard damaged or spoiled plants.
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Feed green bean vines after annual harvest while they are still green.
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Use excess green bean plants as nutritious supplements during the winter months.
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Hang bean trellises low enough for goats to reach the leaves and vines.
Potential Concerns When Feeding Green Beans
While green bean plants are safe for goats in moderation, there are a few potential concerns to be aware of:
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Bloat – Overeating pods and leaves may cause gas buildup in the rumen. Feed small amounts at first.
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Bean toxicity – Dry, raw kidney beans contain toxins, but green beans are safe. Never feed goats dry kidney beans.
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High oxalates – The leaves contain oxalic acid, which can bind calcium. Feed a balanced diet rich in calcium.
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Pesticides – Always wash store-bought plants thoroughly and feed goats organic green beans when possible.
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Moldy plants – Do not feed excessively wilted, damaged or moldy plants, as they can cause illness.
The Bottom Line
Green bean plants provide goats with nutritious vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and protein. Parts of the plant including leaves, vines, pods and fresh beans can all be part of a healthy, balanced diet. Introduce new plants slowly, provide variety and monitor grazing to avoid overconsumption. With some simple precautions, green bean plants make an excellent supplement to a goat’s daily diet.
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Alternative Foods for Goats
- Fruits and vegetables: Most fruits and vegetables are safe, but you should always introduce them slowly.
- Some things you shouldn’t feed them are chocolate, processed foods, and some plants.
The Verdict on Canned Green Beans
Canned foods aren’t always ideal for animals, and here’s why:
- Preservatives and additives: Goats should stay away from these because they can hurt them.
- Effects of High Salt Content: Beans that are canned with a lot of salt can be bad for you. Always opt for low-sodium varieties if choosing canned.
WATCH OUT! GOATS eat these TOP 6 Plants from your NEIGHBOR!
FAQ
What vegetable plants can goats not eat?
Can goats eat garden green beans?
Do animals eat green bean plants?
What plants are good for goats to eat?
Do goats eat plants?
Plants dangerous to goats are more likely to be ingested when the animals are near starvation and eat plants they normally would avoid, however, that isn’t the only time a goat will feed on toxic plant life. Goats are often used in the clearing of woodlands and wetlands, thus exposing them to casual ingestion of plants that are toxic to goats.
Can goats eat vegetables?
Vegetables are typically healthier treat choices for goats than fruits because of their lower sugar content and generally higher nutrient content. Good veggie choices for goats include pumpkins, squash, bell peppers, lettuce, zucchini, and cucumbers. These can also be cut up and hidden around their pens for foraging fun.
Do goats eat evergreen trees?
Goats have been living for thousands of years in the wild and I’mSURE they ate evergreen trees. Put them out there and let them get some forage. They will thank you for it. Really though, it can only be good for them to get some forage this time of year. I think that if they ate a TON of it then they would have issues.
Can goats eat weeds?
That being said, there are certain plants and weeds to watch out for, as they can be poisonous to your goats. Watch out for common plants like Hemlock, Poppies, Nettles, Nightshade, Milkweed, Johnson grass, and Wild Black Cherries.