Fodder rape regrowth usage/shot

[Skirza NCC]

Hi, last year I thought I'd try using a fodder rape/stubble turnip mix for the first time. It was used it to fatten TexX lambs, we fed it in a graze once block feeding system with ad-lib red clover hay. There's be no stock on it since the first week of January and was left with very very little rape remaining, maybe 4" of weathered stem.

It's since regrown and is currently standing about knee height, I've put 1x hundred weight an acre of 16.16.16 on it last week. I'm wondering WHEN ???? should I turn the ewes and lambs on it ? Or what's the best usage of it? Could it be baled and wrapped ?

We lambed over 14 days finishing up mid April so the lambs will have to stay with the ewes for a fair while yet. If possible I'd like to save the regrowth for the lambs only but I'm concerned it will shot/bolt and be wasted.

Any advice greatly received.

Thanks

 

[neilo]

I'd get them on it now, if it's not going to seed already. If you graze it now, then get them off, the rape could well regrow again yet (variety dependant). I'm very surprised it hasn't already bolted and started to flower already, as it normally runs straight to seed after the winter.

 

[Woolless]

I've got ewes and lambs on some 'zoom' forage rape regrowth atm which last saw sheep late match. It's. A bonus bite which has helped out in the dry, cold spring. I intend to take them off, leave for a week then spray off for plantain/clover.

Graze it now and bale any excess grass you have as a consequence Imo.

 

[Skirza NCC]

Thanks for the advice, I'm at the very north of Scotland and the grass has only really started to shift in the last 2 weeks. I had a closer inspection of the crop last night, the remainder of the stubble turnips have flowered but the rape is just starting to bud so I've put all the ewes and lambs on it today.

With the lambs being so young will they make much use of it or will it just bulk up the ewes ?

Can I put in an italian rye grass mixture after the rape ? Does anyone have advice on lamb prep ?

I've had creep out for the lambs the past 10days so hope this will help to establish their rumen.