North Dakota State University Extension Service - Burke County |
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Cattle Comments |
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Annual Forages for Hay Perennial forage sources - alfalfa, tame grasses, native grasses and CRP fields - are a mainstay for winter feed for the cow herd. Extended subzero temperatures drastically increase feed requirements to maintain cow body condition. Also, more hays have been fed due to delayed pasture turnout time brought on by cool spring weather retarding grass growth. With increased feed demands and desire to replenish hay reserves, alternative forage sources may be needed. Corn silage is excellent annual forage with good energy content (8% CP-crude protein , 70% TDN - total digestible nutrients, 100% DM-dry matter basis). High input costs, specialized equipment, and extra labor are needed for making silage. Although corn silage yield can be good – about 1 ton of 32% DM corn silage for every 5 bushels of corn grain per acre - cost of production can lead to $25 or more per ton. Annual hay forages are an alternative to perennial grass or legume crops. The NDSU Carrington Research Extension Center 2003 Crop and Livestock Review report contains annual forage yield results and quality information. Six different varieties of barley were harvested as forage at the early dough stage. Average yield (85% DM) was 3.8 ton per acre hay with Haybet forage barley variety at 4.2 tons per acre. Haybet barley was planted April 25 and harvested July 8. Fifteen varieties of oats were tested for hay yield and quality. Average forage oat yield (85% DM) was 3.02 ton per acre. Forage quality averaged 11.6 % CP and 56.2 % TDN among the 15 varieties. Triple Crown, Forage Plus, or Paul (a 'naked' oat) varieties averaged 3.3 tons (85% DM) per acre. Planting date was May 2 with harvest at early milk - July 18 for Triple Crown, Forage Plus, or Paul varieties. Adequate rain helped the forage oat regrow with 0.42 ton (85% DM) per acre harvested on August 8. In another trial designed to compare multiple cool season forage types and combinations, the highest producers were Forage Plus forage oat, Jerry grain oat, and Hays awnless barley at 4.3, 4.4, and 4.2 tons (85% DM) per acre respectively with CP ranging from 12.2-16% and TDN ranging from 55.6-57.8%. Planting was April 30 with harvest on July 7 - 16. Higher crude protein was accomplished with mixes of triticale and forage peas harvested on July 3 - 19.6-22.7% CP (DM basis) but yield was reduced (2.8 - 3.1 tons, 85% DM per acre). Warm season forages were planted June 2 and harvested 56 - 79 days later. Sorghum-sudan variety Mor-For produced 4.6 tons (85% DM) per acre at 14.3 CP and 59.2 TDN (DM basis) on July 28. Pearl millet (Millstar variety), red proso millet (Cerise variety) and grey proso millet (Crown variety) produced 3.49 -3.66 tons (85% DM) per acre at 10.5-12.2% CP and 59-60.6% TDN (DM basis). Late planted Paul oats provided 3.95 tons per acre (85% DM) 14.9 % CP and 58.7 TDN (DM basis). Pearl millet and sorghum-sudangrass had regrowth harvested on September 22 amounting to 1.7 and 6.1 tons (85% DM) respectively. Future trials may involve co-planting cool season annuals and warm season annuals for multiple harvests of quality forage. The forages were harvested relatively early and were not allowed to reach full mature before haying. Cutting most annuals in the late milk/early dough leads to better protein and energy content. Late planted annual forages, with adequate rainfall, can provide a good alternative to replenish depleted hay reserves. Dan Folske |
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