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ARS Home » Northeast Area » University Park, Pennsylvania » Pasture Systems & Watershed Management Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #329257
Title: Incorporating forage brassicas into a grazing system

Author
item Dillard, Sandra

Submitted to: USDA Small Farms Training Manual
Publication Type: Trade Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 7/4/2016
Publication Date: 7/4/2016
Citation: Dillard, S.L. 2016. Incorporating forage brassicas into a grazing system. Cornell University Small Farm Quarterly. Summer 2016 pg. 15.

Interpretive Summary: No Interpretive Summary needed for this Abstract Only.

Technical Abstract: Forage brassicas are annuals that can be utilized as pasture during the spring, summer, and fall grazing seasons. They are quick maturing and can be grazed 60 to 120 days after planting. Brassicas provide high quality forage, can be used to phytoremediate soil compaction and elevated soil P levels, and have been reported to reduce enteric methane emissions in ruminants. They can be grazed at approximately 12 inches and should not be grazed below 6 inches. Animal diets should not contain more than 50% brassica due to high water content and concentrations of plant metabolites that can cause decreased animal performance.