Hardy Japanese knotweed weak-kneed against Chilliwack goats

What do you get when you take 60 goats and a six-by-six-metrepatchof Japanese knotweed?

Satisfaction, say scientists.

The University of the Fraser Valley (UFV) found that out when they set dozens of goats on a patch of the stubborn invasive weeds, much taller than the animals. The goats mowed down the two-metre greenery in 45 minutes.

"The goats then started in on the dandelions and other weeds in the test area," saidDave Pinton of UFV.

But that was just the appetizer as the Japanese knotweed was the main course.

"The plant is a prevalent invasive plant species that chokes out other native plants across B.C," said Pinton. "These invasive species disrupt the native ecosystem including insects and birds and other animals so it's important to try and get rid of them."

Goats are more eco-friendly than herbicides, and do not seem bothered by the plants' rope-like strength asJapanese knotweed can growthrough concrete.

"They also may be able to get to plants in areas that would be dangerous for people to access," saidPinton."Goats eat the leaves and this kills the plant for ayear," addedPinton.

But experts warn thatgoats are not a weed panacea. There are challenges to using targeted grazing as goats will eat anything, so they must be controlled so they don't eat or trample other valuable plants.

Jeanne Hughes of theFraser Valley Invasive Plant Council said in an email thatthe goats could help manage the weed, but "it would require many visits with goats, and many years, to achieve eradication."