Winter Harvest Heroes: Why Pumpkins Are a Superfood for Your Livestock
- rockpillargrounds
- Sep 29
- 3 min read
As the last of the fall harvest rolls in and the porch pumpkins start to soften, it’s easy to overlook their value beyond decoration. But on a working farm, nothing goes to waste—and pumpkins are no exception. Packed with fiber, moisture, and essential vitamins like A, C and E, they’re a smart, seasonal supplement for your winter feed rotation. Whether you’re raising goats, cows, or chickens, pumpkins offer a low-cost way to enrich your animals’ diets, support digestion, and stretch your stored feed. In this newsletter, we’ll explore the benefits of feeding pumpkins to your animals, backed by research and practical tips for incorporating them into your winter feeding routine.
Why Pumpkins? A Nutritional Powerhouse
Here’s a breakdown of their nutritional perks:
Vitamins and Antioxidants: Pumpkins are rich in vitamin A (beta-carotene), vitamin C, and vitamin E, which support immune health, vision, and skin/coat condition—crucial for animals facing winter’s harsh conditions.
Fiber: High fiber content aids digestion, especially for ruminants like goats and cows, helping maintain gut health during a season when fresh grass is limited.
Protein and Energy: Pumpkins provide a supplemental source of protein (14-17% crude protein on a dry matter basis) and energy (60-70% digestibility), making them a valuable addition to winter diets.
Hydration: With 83-88% water content, pumpkins help keep animals hydrated, especially when water intake may decrease in cold weather.
Natural De-wormer Potential: Pumpkin seeds contain cucurbitacin, a compound that may help paralyze and expel intestinal worms in goats, sheep, and potentially chickens, though more research is needed to confirm its efficacy.
Goats: Gut Health & Forage Variety
Fiber-rich flesh supports rumen function and keeps digestion smooth. Overfeeding can cause diarrhea, so introduce gradually (1-2 cups chopped per goat daily).
Serve chopped or baked to soften the rind—especially for younger or picky eaters.
Nutritional Support for Pregnant Does: In winter, when many does are mid-pregnancy, pumpkins provide extra vitamins and antioxidants to support fetal development and maternal health.
Deworming Aid: Studies suggest pumpkin seed extract may reduce gastrointestinal parasites in goats, making it a natural complement to your deworming program.
Chickens: Enrichment & Egg Support
Chickens go wild for pumpkin—both as a treat and a nutritional boost.
Vitamin A aids in feather health and egg production.
Seeds and flesh offer protein and fat for winter energy.
Break open pumpkins or bake lightly to make pecking easier.
Egg Quality: Pumpkin seed meal in laying hen diets can increase omega-3 fatty acids in eggs (up to 1095 mg/100g yolk) and reduce cholesterol by 10%, improving egg quality for human consumption.
Boredom Relief: Whole pumpkins in the run keep chickens entertained during winter confinement, reducing pecking and stress. Start with a small hole to encourage pecking.
Digestive Support: The fiber in pumpkin flesh can help firm up watery stools, though it’s not a cure-all for digestive issues
Cows: Hydration & Nutrient Density
For cattle, pumpkins are a palatable source of moisture and energy.
High water content helps maintain hydration during dry hay season.
Beta-carotene supports reproductive health and milk quality.
Protein and Energy Boost: Pumpkins are a palatable supplemental feed, offering 14-17% crude protein and 60-70% digestibility, ideal for dry pregnant cows or growing calves.
Freezing and thawing softens pumpkins, making them easier to eat.
Safety First
Before feeding, ensure pumpkins are:
Unpainted, unbleached, and free of wax or rot.
To prevent choking, cut into manageable pieces, smash or allow to freeze and thaw to soften
Stored properly, they can last all winter.
Do not feed spoiled or moldy pumpkins, as they can cause illness.
Comments