Kale Stalks

[cattleman123]

Sorry cant find the old thread..got 600 hogs on kale,when they have eaten the leaves they seems very happy to chew away at the stalks..my question is whats the feed value of these in compassion with the leaves...wondering so I know how tight to how them as I have loads of crop left ,Thanks

 

[neilo]

Sorry cant find the old thread..got 600 hogs on kale,when they have eaten the leaves they seems very happy to chew away at the stalks..my question is whats the feed value of these in compassion with the leaves...wondering so I know how tight to how them as I have loads of crop left ,Thanks

IIRC the stalks are very high in energy, whilst the leaves are very high in protein. The two balance each other quite well, hence why it is better to fold them onto blocks so that they have some of each, rather than turn them into a field to be excreting excess protein the first fortnight, then on a ration where they are deficient if protein and making less use of the energy for the second fortnight. Sounds like it's a bit late for that now though?

 

[gwi1890]

IIRC the stalks are very high in energy, whilst the leaves are very high in protein. The two balance each other quite well, hence why it is better to fold them onto blocks so that they have some of each, rather than turn them into a field to be excreting excess protein the first fortnight, then on a ration where they are deficient if protein and making less use of the energy for the second fortnight. Sounds like it's a bit late for that now though?

After a winter if success-full block or strip grazing it came the welsh hill sheeps turn to go to the kale / turnips it’s safe to same Im in the exact same position a field full of stalks [emoji28]

 

[cattleman123]

After a winter if success-full block or strip grazing it came the welsh hill sheeps turn to go to the kale / turnips it’s safe to same Im in the exact same position a field full of stalks [emoji28]

I am folding mine in 3 acre blocks..they seem to love chewing away at the stalks..

 

[tinsheet]

My heifers will eat the leaves then leave stalks but seem to go back over them and chew them down, key is not to have to bigger face with kale as they will leave the stalks otherwise,
No experience with sheep on kale, that's next winter's job!

 

[cattleman123]

Well when I get them in to draw some I will then know whether them stalks are any good..