Are Soy Beans Poisonous to Goats?

Goats will eat just about anything, but owners want to ensure they are getting a balanced diet. With hay prices rising, farmers and researchers seek out less costly alternatives that still provide full nutrition.

  1. Benefits

    • Soybean hulls might provide a more affordable alternative to hay. They contain about 12 percent crude protein and are also high in fiber. They are a good source of energy and are easily obtained. Soybean hulls are a byproduct of processing soybeans into oil, making them affordable and convenient.

    Expert Insight

    • A study conducted by Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona in Catalonia, Spain, discovered that administering soybean oil to dairy goats increased the levels of conjugated linoleic acid, which has cancer-fighting properties when consumed by humans. The soybean oil did not negatively impact milk yield or protein content.

    Considerations

    • A healthy goat requires a balanced mix of vitamins and nutrients. The optimal diet for a goat includes a mix of grains, forage grasses, shrubs, alfalfa and an overall protein content of at least 15 percent.

    Warning

    • Avoid giving your goats whole kernel corn, because it can promote stomach acid and cause an ulcer. In goat kids, this can be fatal. Cracked-corn is fine in moderation, if offered as a treat. Also make sure your goats' hay is dry. Wet hay can mold, and moldy hay can kill your goat.

    GMO Soybeans

    • Controversy surrounds genetically modified soybeans. Monsanto, the leading producer of GMO soybeans, claims its pesticide-resistant soybeans are safe, while the American Academy of Environmental Medicine calls for programs to educate the public on the possible risks of GMO crops. In their studies, they have found animals consuming GMO soybeans had problems with infertility, lower immunity, mutations in bodily organs and function and more rapid aging.