Comfrey as Animal Feed
Comfrey has a long history of use as animal feed, particularly for livestock and poultry. Its high protein content, abundant minerals, and rapid growth make it a valuable supplementary feed source for many homesteaders and small-scale farmers.
Nutritional Profile of Comfrey
Comfrey leaves are remarkably nutritious, containing:
- Protein: 20-30% on a dry weight basis, comparable to many legumes
- Vitamins: A, B12, C, and E
- Minerals: Calcium, potassium, phosphorus, iron, magnesium, and trace minerals
- Allantoin: A compound that may promote cell growth and wound healing
This nutritional density makes comfrey an excellent supplementary feed for many animals, especially during times when other fresh greens may be scarce.
Benefits for Different Animals
Chickens and Poultry
- Enhances egg yolk color due to high carotene content
- May increase egg production when fed as a supplement
- Provides protein for feather development and overall health
- Can be fed fresh, dried, or fermented
Rabbits
- Excellent protein source for growing kits
- Promotes healthy fur and reduces shedding
- Can comprise up to 30% of a rabbit's diet
- May help prevent digestive issues when introduced gradually
Pigs
- Provides protein and minerals for growth
- Can be used as a pasture crop for foraging
- Helps reduce feed costs when used as a supplement
- Best used as part of a varied diet
Goats and Sheep
- High mineral content supports milk production
- Provides protein for wool and hair growth
- Can be grazed directly or harvested and fed
- May help with parasite management as part of a diverse diet
Feeding Guidelines and Safety
Moderation is Key
While nutritious, comfrey should be fed as a supplement, not as the primary feed source. For most animals, comfrey should make up no more than 10-30% of the total diet, depending on the species.
Introduction Period
Introduce comfrey gradually into an animal's diet over a period of 1-2 weeks. This allows their digestive system to adjust and helps you monitor for any adverse reactions.
Pyrrolizidine Alkaloids Awareness
Comfrey contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs), which can be toxic to the liver in large quantities. This is why moderation is important. The risk is minimized when comfrey is:
- Fed as part of a diverse diet
- Used as a supplement rather than a staple
- Wilted or dried before feeding (which reduces PA content)
Bocking 14 Advantage
Bocking 14 comfrey is often preferred for animal feed because it has:
- Higher protein content than some other varieties
- Excellent regrowth after cutting, providing multiple harvests
- Sterile nature that prevents unwanted spread
Preparation Methods
Fresh Feeding
Fresh comfrey leaves can be:
- Chopped and mixed with other feeds
- Hung in bunches for animals to browse
- Scattered in poultry runs for chickens to peck
Fresh leaves are most nutritious but should be introduced gradually.
Wilted or Dried
Wilting or drying comfrey:
- Reduces moisture content for easier storage
- Decreases pyrrolizidine alkaloid levels
- Creates a hay-like product that can be stored for winter use
Dry in a well-ventilated area out of direct sunlight to preserve nutrients.
Fermented
Fermenting comfrey:
- Increases digestibility and nutrient availability
- Creates a probiotic-rich feed
- Can be especially beneficial for poultry and pigs
Ferment by layering chopped comfrey with salt (2% by weight) in an airtight container for 2-3 weeks.
Growing Comfrey for Animal Feed
If you're planning to grow comfrey specifically for animal feed, consider these tips:
- Plant in accessible locations - Place comfrey patches near animal housing for easy harvesting and feeding.
- Stagger plantings - Create multiple patches that you can harvest in rotation to ensure a continuous supply.
- Harvest strategy - Cut leaves when they're 12-18 inches tall, before flowering, for maximum nutrition.
- Allow recovery - Let plants regrow to at least 6 inches before harvesting again to maintain plant health.
- Fertilize after cutting - Apply compost or manure after harvesting to support vigorous regrowth.
Case Study: Comfrey in a Chicken System
Many homesteaders integrate comfrey into their chicken systems for a sustainable feed cycle:
- Grow comfrey around the perimeter of chicken runs or in dedicated patches.
- Harvest leaves regularly during the growing season.
- Feed fresh leaves to chickens (chopped for easier consumption).
- Collect chicken manure and compost it.
- Apply composted manure to comfrey patches as fertilizer.
- Harvest more nutritious leaves due to improved soil fertility.
This creates a closed-loop system where the chickens benefit from nutritious feed, and the comfrey benefits from nutrient-rich fertilizer.
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