Swede (Rutabaga, Yellow Turnip, Neep, Turnip, Swedish Turnip)
Feed Sparingly- Common Name: Swede (Rutabaga, Yellow Turnip, Neep, Turnip, Swedish Turnip)
- Latin Name: Brassica napus; syn. Brassica napobrassica
- Family Name: Brassicaceae
Swede (which is often called Turnip in the North of England and Scotland, and Rutabaga in the USA) is a member of the Brassica family and therefore high in goitrogens, which can interfere with the uptake of iodine, resulting in thyroid problems and possibly damage to liver and kidney functions.
Unlike its close relative, the Turnip, the leaves of the Swede do not contain such high levels of calcium or iodine to counteract the effects of goitrogens, and so we recommend erring on the side of caution and not feeding any parts of the Swede to tortoises (although no great harm will come if a few leaves or flowers are accidentally nibbled).
See also Turnip.
Please be aware that two or more goitrogenic plants should not be fed in conjunction with each other, and the sum total of goitrogenic foods should not exceed the guideline for a single plant of 'in moderation' (amber-green) or 'sparingly' (amber-red). This will ensure that goitrogenic consumption stays within safe limits.
See also Turnip.
Please be aware that two or more goitrogenic plants should not be fed in conjunction with each other, and the sum total of goitrogenic foods should not exceed the guideline for a single plant of 'in moderation' (amber-green) or 'sparingly' (amber-red). This will ensure that goitrogenic consumption stays within safe limits.
