Author
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Dillard, Sandra |
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Soder, Kathy |
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Submitted to: Extension Fact Sheets
Publication Type: Other Publication Acceptance Date: 8/15/2016 Publication Date: 8/15/2016 Citation: Dillard, S.L., Soder, K.J. 2016. Forage Brassicas: establishment, management, and challenges. Extension Fact Sheets. Interpretive Summary: No interpretive summary is required. JLB Technical Abstract: Forage Brassicas are annuals that can be utilized as pasture during the spring, summer, and fall grazing seasons. Forage brassicas include varieties of rapeseed (rape), radish, turnip, swede, kale, and hybrids. Brassicas are able to produce up to 4 tons of DM/acre, and varieties of turnip, radish, and swede produce a highly palatable and nutritious tap-root that can be grazed during the last rotation of the season. Brassicas can be established into an existing pasture sod by overseeding using a no-till drill. Forage should be planted at a seeding depth of ¼” and at a rate of 4-5 lbs/acre for kale, rape, and radish and 2-3 lbs/acre for swede and turnip. Forage should then be fertilized with 75 lb N/acre and phosphorus and potash according to soil test results. Brassicas are high quality feedstuffs that contain a high crude protein and also a high net nergy of maintenance and total digestible nutrient concentration. Forage brassicas are most commonly grazed, but they can also be stockpiled, ensiled, or fed as greenchop. Brassicas should not be included at more than 50% of the daily dry matter intake of any livestock due to concerns of mineral deficiencies and bloat. Small ruminants are more susceptible to mineral deficiencies than large ruminants. Due to concerns of off-flavor, a withdrawal period of 4 hrs prior to milking and 7 days prior to slaughter is suggested. |
