Why We Browse
Vegetation can get out of hand. Buckthorn, honeysuckle, and others can quickly dominate a landscape if left unmanaged. In ecology there are checks and balances; biological processes that keep nature in balance.
Goats are nature's way of keeping woody invasive brush in check.
Goats are nature's way of keeping woody invasive brush in check.
Browsing vs Grazing
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Goats browse brush to get us to that grazable endgoal.
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How it worksControlling brush (buckthorn) via goats is a regenerative process. This means we are utilizing tools that improve the ecosystem as a whole- not just focusing on eliminating one target plant specie. Working regeneratively can contribute to a more diverse and resilient outcome
Goats control buckthorn via 3 mechanisms of action: 1. Defoliation. 2. Bark stripping 3. Trampling |
Mechanisms of Action
Regenerative goat browsing works in three main mechanisms of action.
1. Defoliation
Goats meticulously consume every last leaf of brush in the paddock. The target plant, let's say buckthorn, is forced to refoliate it's leaves after consumption. This takes energy from it's root reserve of carbohydrates. Additionally, during and after the defoliation process photosynthesis is denied, forcing the plant to utilize it's reserves. We recommend two defoliation events per growing season to properly stress buckthorn.
2. Bark stripping.
1. Defoliation
Goats meticulously consume every last leaf of brush in the paddock. The target plant, let's say buckthorn, is forced to refoliate it's leaves after consumption. This takes energy from it's root reserve of carbohydrates. Additionally, during and after the defoliation process photosynthesis is denied, forcing the plant to utilize it's reserves. We recommend two defoliation events per growing season to properly stress buckthorn.
2. Bark stripping.
Bark stripping (girdling) is a fast way to kill buckthorn. During the fall and winter seasons, goats will target the bark of buckthorn and eat it. With the inner bark (phloem) removed, nutrients from photosynthesis cannot flow downwards to replenish the root reserves. Simultaneously, the sapwood is left exposed and has nowhere to send nutrients.
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3. Trampling
Goats move all throughout the paddock to consume every last leaf. During this process they are knocking down tall buckthorn, breaking and bending it over for the shorter goats. This process can stimulate the ground- with the dark canopy from buckthorn removed and disturbed, native plants get a chance for sunshine. Native seedbanks get a chance to grow.