Oats for silage?

[colhonk]

Are Oats worth anything to make silage of?any call for them.

 

[Kevtherev]

Yes of dairy farmers.
Very good feed if whole cropped and ensiled
Good feed for fattening cattle too.
@Great In Grass

 

[Timbo1080]

As silage, yes, but not as good as whole crop.....I have an analysis that I'll look for a little later on. We silaged some just as the panicles had come out, but no grain fill.

 

[colhonk]

Well if anyone nearby wants some .

 

[Timbo1080]

Not our analysis, but same variety, soil type, timing etc....DM 20.6%, Protein 15.5%, sugars 1.7%, cut in the third week of May....This is SILAGE, not wholecrop....Hope that helps

 

[Timbo1080]

Just re-read my first post, and could be written better.....Oat silage is good, but not as good as Oat Wholecrop.....just to clarify!

 

[Hurdle bunter]

In my ignorance what's the difference 'tween silage and wholecrop?

 

[Timbo1080]

My understanding (and I understand very little), is that silage is the leaves of the plant, whereas wholecrop includes a decent nutritional element of the seed head too. Our oats had their panicles out, but grain fill had not started, so the crop was basically just leaves. If we'd left it, and grain fill had taken place (usually til around "cheesy ripe"), then it would be considered Wholecrop.
Of course, anything that is "ensiled" is technically "silage", but this is my understanding of the difference at point of cutting.....I'm sure I'll be fully corrected!!

 

[Hurdle bunter]

Clear as mud

Often seen both referred to but never really thought/considered they wer'nt one and the same!

 

[TelesnaAg]

Nice protein...does it have good M.E..?

Ant

 

[Timbo1080]

Nice protein...does it have good M.E..?

Ant

Pass....we sold ours. The analysis was a pal's down the road. When I next see him, I'll ask.

 

[Bobthebuilder]

we cut and baled/wrapped some late sown oats a couple of years ago the cattle loved them

 

[Yale]

Do the rats have a like for oat whole crop bales?

 

[Bobthebuilder]

just as much as any other bales