The Goat Spot Forum banner

Perilla frustescens (Beefsteak Mint)

631 views 6 replies 4 participants last post by  Nimmy 
#1 ·
Has anyone had any experience with this plant?
Beefsteak mint came to my attention when I saw 2 of my does and their 2 month old kids nibbling on it. It had been growing right outside the nursery yard, was about 5 feet tall, completely mature when the goats took interest in it. Very invasive, a stinky plant, apparently brought to my property with hay-said to be absolutely fatal to goats and cattle. My goats are not only still alive but suffered no ill-effects at all. Very grateful though confused by this. Hoping to find some explanation-certain of identification but wondering if possible some chemical change occurs in the plant with maturation that renders it harmless??
 
#5 ·
That's perilla, I think some goats may have a resistance to it and some may not. I lost 2 years worth of kids, and I think this was the cause.
 
#6 ·
Get a big spray bottle and fill it full of white vinegar. Every time you walk by a plant spray it. This removes the outer cortex and the sunlight will slowly burn the plant to death. Also cut off the flowers to prevent seeds. Gather them and burn them. Slowly you will be able to get a handle on them.
Once they are declining plant something that will shade and take all their nutrients over them. Like Sunn hemp.
 
#7 ·
I was so grateful the plant did not harm my goats after I learned what it was. That they showed no interest in it in till it matured had me wondering if there was a chemical change when it reached a certain growth stage. @AlabamaGirl-so sorry, must have been heartbreaking.
Will be keeping a bottle of vinegar at hand this year to kill it.
Extension agent wasn't aware of the plant or possible dangers.
 
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Top