Meat goats were used as a natural method of weed control in a silviculture study to determine their effectiveness in reducing invasive weed species. Over a 30 day period, goats browsed on 4 treatment plots that were each replicated 3 times. Total organic matter and leaf cover were measured before and after browsing. The mow plus browse treatment resulted in the greatest reduction of 49.13% in organic matter and 54-70% decreases in targeted weed species. While browse only was also effective, mowing incorporated into the treatment led to faster reduction of unwanted weeds. Goat browsing shows potential as a component of integrated weed management programs.

1. 8/2/2012
Using Meat Goats as a Weed Control Component in Silviculture Enterprises
Authors
Konopka, P. R.1; Hutchens, T.2; Andries, K.2 Singer, I3
1Lewis County Agriculture and Natural Resource Agent, University of Kentucky, Vanceburg, KY, 41179
2Animal Science Specialist, Kentucky State University, Frankfort, KY, 40601
3Summer Intern, University of Kentucky, Vanceburg, KY, 41179
Abstract Purpose Conclusion
High input cost for conventional weed control The purpose of this county needs based applied research project was to determine if there is a Total organic matter was similar for all treatments and
methods encouraged Lewis County farmers to search measureable weed control advantages in small silviculture operations for using goats as a weed the control prior to browsing activity. Total organic
for weed control alternatives. A study was designed control component or alternative to conventional methods of woodlot weed control. matter reduction was greater for MB and B plots when
using meat goats <Capra hircus> as a weed control compared to the browse exclusion areas MNB and
component in a silviculture study. The impact of
goat browsing was investigated on Wingstem,
Methods & Materials control. Organic matter reductions for MB was 49.13%,
followed by B at 40.67%, while MNB treatments showed
<Verbesina alternifolia> and Virginia Copperleaf a 35.49% reduction and the control indicated a
<Acalypaha virginaica>. This study ran for 30 days Thirty one, multiparious Boer and Boer-cross female goats with an average weight of 106 lbs (3.29 senescent reduction of 26.68% (Table 1).
browsing 31 Boer and Boer-cross females on 4 AU) were given free access to a 3 acre woodlot heavily infested with invasive weed species
treatments per plots each replicated 3-times in a Wingstem, and Virginia Copperleaf. Goats were given free access to the weeds for a period of 30 Likewise, MB and B showed a high degree of reduction in
randomized block design. Each plot (15 ft. x 10 ft.), days and were then removed from the lot. These females were browsing over 4 predetermined leaf cover per acre while the control increase in leaf
contained treatments 1-mow plus-browse (MB), 2- treatments per plot each replicated 3-times in a randomized block design. Each plot (15 ft. x 10 cover (Table 2.). The greatest reduction in OM and leaf
browse only (B), 3-mow no-browse (MNB) and control ft.), contained treatments 1-Mow plus-browse (MB), 2-Browse only (B), 3-Mow no-browse (MNB) and cover per acre was seen in the MB treatment. This
(C). Treatments MNB and C were split-blocks and Control (C). Treatments MNB and C were split-blocks and were protected by a welded wire fenced would indicate that a faster reduction in undesired
protected by a welded wire fence exclusion area. exclusion area. species would be seen when mowing is incorporated
Total organic matter (OM) was determined at onset into the total program. However, B only is effective but
of the study and at 60 days following animal Total organic matter (OM) was determined at the onset of the study and total residual OM was would require a longer period of time to reach a desired
removal. Plots were harvest using a BCS sickle harvested at 60 days following animal removal (Table 1). Plots were harvest using a BCS sickle degree of control.
mower; and weighted by a hand held digital scale. mower; and weighted by a hand held digital scale. The BCS harvest area per plot was 3.75 ft. x 10
Harvest area per plot was 3.75 ft. x 10 ft. Reduction ft. Percent weed species make-up for each plot was determined visually at the onset of the browse
in total OM by weight was greatest for MB at 49.13%, project and again prior to residual harvest. The percent weed species was then converted to square Acknowledgements
followed by B showing a reduction of 40.67%, while feet of leaf cover per acre (Table 2.)
the C. and MNB treatments showed the least This Project was made possible with cooperation of Joe
reduction at 35.49% and 26.68% respectively. Small Bentley, Lewis County Extension, and Kentucky State
difference between OM treatments resulted from University
non-target succession plant regrowth. Wingstem
plant stands were reduced by 54% on average and Change in Total Organic Matter Weight (Lbs/Plot) for Wingstem, Verbesina Change in Leaf Cover in ft2/acre of Wingstem, Verbesina alternifolia and Virginia
Virginia Copperleaf 70% while there was a 11% alternifolia and Virginia Copperleaf, Acalypha virginica Copperleaf, Acalypha virginica
increase in the control. Meat goat browsing appears Table 2. Observation date 7/1/2011 Observation date 10/10/2011
to be a viable component in a total weed control Table 1.
programs. 7/1/11 Total 10/10/11 Total Difference
OM Wt‐ OM Wt‐ Total OM Virginia Virginia
Treatments lbs/plot lbs/plot lbs/plot Difference % Wingstem, Copperleaf, Wingstem, Copperleaf,
Verbesina Acalypha Verbesina Acalypha
Total Organic Matter Lbs Treatment alternifolia virginica Other alternifolia virginica Others
sq foot leaf cover/acre
Mow plus browse (MB) 23.83 12.12 11.71 49.13% Mow plus
Browse plot (B) 26.27 15.58 10.68 40.67% browse (MB) 24,685 12,340 6534 7985 7261 13,794
Browse plot (B) 24,685 12,340 6534 14,518 7261 15,972
Mow no‐browse (MNB) 28.67 18.49 10.17 35.49% Control 27,442 7260 8712 30,492 0 7260
Control 26.27 19.26 7.01 26.68% Treatment Mow no‐browse was not included.
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