Forage rape stalks

[Dave6170]

Last couple of years we ve had big crops of rape, dad maintains that the lambs won't do on the stalks once the leaves have been eaten. I just think its a waste.

What do others do?

 

[scholland]

Higher seed rate can help reduce stalks.
Make ewes eat them?

 

[Great In Grass]

Choose the correct variety as many kales are derived from (giant) game cover varieties which equate to thick stems.

New varieties like Sovereign which has been trialed by the SAC in Aberdeen are ideal and do not produce large thick stems even when planted at a lower density, therefore increasing palatability.

 

[Dave6170]

Its interval Italian mix we have been sowing, the rape has gone crazy last couple of years. I ll adjust things for next year.
Just wondering will something eat the stalks?

 

[Woolless]

Its interval Italian mix we have been sowing, the rape has gone crazy last couple of years. I ll adjust things for next year.
Just wondering will something eat the stalks?

Cattle? Can't remember which way round it is but leaf is high in energy and stalk high in protein or vice versa so they really need a bit of each.

 

[Bury the Trash]

Leaves are higher protein and energy pro rata digestabilty.

Stalks are less protein content more for energy( if they will eat them ) and way higher dry matter less digestible and undigestible fibre in comparison
So pretty good balance if eaten evenly.

Ploughed in it's good for som as well so theres no real loss but there can be a few upsticky bits
Unles they're topped before , buv that's more cost....

 

[Derrick Hughes]

Never been a fan of Rape . To much waste end of
Stubble turnips far superior

 

[Bury the Trash]

Never been a fan of Rape . To much waste end of
Stubble turnips far superior

Yeah but still can be residue for the next crop, so good winter cover anyway

I dont like the way they can bang udders on bagging up or lactating ewes either... apart from that .....


Hmmm Feeding of S. Turnips is only better in that way ...as long as the bulbs are anchored well enough

 

[Dave6170]

What it was like then and now.

 

[Bury the Trash]

What it was like then and now.

That looks way better than the remains of my hybrid does,

Nothings a waste if you think about the next crop and soil cover iyswim

 

[Dave6170]

Probably sowed it a bit early aswell. But had to take the chance and get it in the ground.
Just finished reading dirt to soil so not a total waste of plant material.
How tight does everyone else graze theirs?

 

[dannewhouse]

When did you sow it? And what fert etc

Will it green up a little and then go back to it perhaps with a hungrier bunch?

 

[spin cycle]

thats some crop you had

 

[Derrick Hughes]

Yeah but still can be residue for the next crop, so good winter cover anyway

I dont like the way they can bang udders on bagging up or lactating ewes either... apart from that .....


Hmmm Feeding of S. Turnips is only better in that way ...as long as the bulbs are anchored well enough

I've never had any waste with turnips .in March drag a triple k through it . Will drag any roots left up to the top then put the store cattle on . Will eat every last bit

 

[spin cycle]

when did you sow those

 

[Derrick Hughes]

when did you sow those

End of September,
Frisia . Unbelievable cropper

 

[spin cycle]

End of September,
Frisia . Unbelievable cropper

feck orfff ........have you by any chance fiendishly small hands

 

[Dave6170]

When did you sow it? And what fert etc

Will it green up a little and then go back to it perhaps with a hungrier bunch?

1st of June. Got 375kg ha of 16 16 16 and 125kg ha 34.5N
It got a beating by some sort of caterpillar then recovered.
We did put some cast ewes on the regrowth.

 

[Derrick Hughes]

feck orfff [emoji16]........have you by any chance fiendishly small hands[emoji16]

Get your orders in early . Best Turnip you can get

 

[spin cycle]

Get your orders in early . Best Turnip you can get

tempting ....what fert did they have?