Turnips are a versatile root vegetable cultivated for both human consumption and as a forage crop for animals. Their appeal lies in their palatability and nutritional profile, making them an attractive food source for various wildlife and livestock. Understanding which animals are drawn to turnips is helpful for gardeners aiming to protect their crops.
Common Animals That Eat Turnips
Many animals, both wild and domesticated, readily consume turnips. Among wild animals, deer frequently visit turnip patches, eating both the leafy tops and roots. Their interest often increases later in the season, especially after a frost, which sweetens the leaves.
Rabbits eat turnip greens and, to a lesser extent, the root. Voles, small rodents that tunnel underground, primarily target turnip roots and other tubers, causing plants to collapse. Gophers also consume turnip roots. Wild hogs eat the entire plant, including leaves, stems, and roots, often disturbing large sections of soil.
Turnips are also a common forage crop for livestock. Cattle, sheep, and goats are regularly fed turnips, either by direct grazing or as supplemental feed. All parts of the plant are palatable to these animals. For cattle, turnips can extend the grazing season into late fall and winter, providing a high-quality food source. Certain birds may occasionally feed on turnip greens or seeds.
Reasons Animals Consume Turnips
Animals are attracted to turnips primarily due to their nutritional benefits and accessibility. Turnips are rich in carbohydrates, providing energy, and also contain protein, vitamins, and minerals. The leafy greens are particularly high in crude protein (15-23%), while roots offer significant digestible energy. This makes them a highly digestible and beneficial diet component.
Their high water content further contributes to their appeal, especially in drier conditions. Turnips are a readily available food source, particularly in late fall and winter when other forage options become scarce. Natural sugars in turnips, especially in mature leaves or after a frost, enhance their palatability.
Preventing Animal Damage to Turnips
Protecting turnip crops from animal consumption often involves physical barriers. Fencing is a common method, with type and height depending on the animal. Deer fences typically need to be 6 to 10 feet tall. For smaller animals like rabbits and voles, a shorter fence (17-42 inches high) made of fine mesh (1/4 inch or smaller) can work. Burying the bottom 6 to 12 inches deep and bending it outwards in an “L” shape deters burrowing animals like voles, gophers, and rabbits.
Repellents offer another layer of protection, working through taste, smell, or fear. Commercial animal repellents, often containing natural ingredients, can deter deer, rabbits, and groundhogs. Reapplication is typically required, especially after heavy rain.
Companion planting, using strong-smelling plants like garlic, onions, mint, and marigolds, can deter pests. Maintaining a clear area around turnip beds by removing weeds and debris also reduces cover for small rodents, making the area less attractive.