Need Some Help Please....Is This Safe?

thailand

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Hi all,

Just recently discovered we have a number of these huge trees on our property. The goats clearly love the seed pods, but I'm trying to determine if I can feed the leaves to them? All help appreciated, thanks :)

The trees in question: Samanea Saman (raintree).

http://www.ciencia-animal.org/cuban...nce/articles/V48-N3-Y2014-P205-DC-Delgado.pdf

http://kammika.com/woodinfopictures/Samanea-raintree.pdf (check out under "coppice" section)

http://uses.plantnet-project.org/en/Samanea_saman_(PROSEA)

It looks like the leaves are OK, but I just want to be really sure and careful. Opinions valued.
 

babsbag

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It looks to be a really good food source.

Google "Samanea saman and goats"
We have a similar tree here, but my goats aren't near where it is growing which is good as the seed pods are toxic. Funny how trees in the same family can be so different.
 

thailand

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So far my research is telling me the pods are great, but the leaves have high tannin levels. So, I can't feed them the leaves right?
 

babsbag

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According to one of those links the leaves are ok.

Green leaves of S. saman are a high quality feed for sheep, goats and cattle and are used as a supplement during the dry season. The sweet pods are nutritious and relished by ruminants and pigs,

I don't think any tree can be higher in tannin than our oak tress and the goats around here devour them. They are on the do not eat list but every goat in this area eats them and does quite well. There would be no goats here if we had to keep them away from the oak trees, it would be impossible for many of us. I would just introduce them slowly.
 

Latestarter

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With no practical experience with your particular tree, I agree with what Babs said. Seems like they'd be fine. I know mine love oak leaves also.
 

greybeard

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More often than not, the key to feeding any substance is "balance".
Many leaves, forage possibilities, and nuts are listed as 'toxic' or 'dangerous' but , are fine as long as there is adequate supplies of known good forage along with tannin containing stuff.
My cattle will and do scarf up white and red oak acorns all day long if there is nothing else to eat, but I always make sure there is also good hay available at the same time.

IOW, don't let the questionable leaves be the only source of nutrition available.
 

thailand

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Thanks everyone for your excellent advice....as usual. I have another question for you guys :) I have 2 overgrown dill plants....can I give cut fresh dill fronds to the goats to eat? I've googled and all I can find is dill seeds.
 

thailand

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ok...thanks Babs.....I will give it a try then :)
(Haven't spoken to you in a while....everything good your side of the world?)
 
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