Archives: May 2011

Through June I’m offering a special on coaching programs for folks who would like to teach their cows to eat Canada thistle (Cirsium Arvense).  For $100 off the cost of the standard “choose your own weed” coaching program, I’ll set you up with a training plan designed to meet your needs, and be there on the other end of the phone any time while you’re training if you have questions or concerns.

Canada thistle was the very first weed I taught cows to eat in 2004, and I’ve trained hundreds to eat it since.  I’ve learned that it is the easiest weed for me to teach a cow to eat, and they eat it season-long in pasture.  An educated cow with about a summer’s worth of practice will graze the plant level with all the other grasses and forages in pasture.

It’s no surprise that Canada thistle is a cow favorite.  It’s very nutritious, and is most often compared to alfalfa.  Here’s a breakdown of its crude protein from Oregon State University:

Spring:  21%
Summer:  13%
Fall:  12%

These high protein levels make it more nutritious than most forages, particularly when grasses begin to dry mid-summer.  High protein levels in Canada thistle and in other weeds also make them good supplements to replace those supplement tubs you may already be using in pasture.  Just like those tubs, high protein weeds help rumen microbes turn lower quality forage into something the animal can use for weight gain.  That means producers can make better use of their pastures throughout the season.

Nitrates and Canada thistle grazing management (more…)