KBS research on Complementary Forages for Pasture Systems

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1 KBS research on Complementary Forages for Pasture Systems Santiago A Utsumi Assistant Professor of Animal Science Michigan State University utsumi@msu.edu

2 Average Temperature, F Cumulative precipitation, inches 212 precipitation and temperatures during grazing season 1 Meant Temperature, F Cummulative precip., inches Dry and hot season with only 3 precipitation events of 1 inch between April to October. Total precipitation April-October was only 11 inches

3 Days grazing/growth rate, lb/acre/d Cumulative forage utilization, lb/acre Growth rate, lb/acre Forage utilization, lb/acre Days Grazing Pasture cover, lb/acre Assuming a 1.1 feed efficiency (lb milk at 3.65% BF/1 lb of pasture) we have so far 1,296 lb milk/acre or 376 lb of butter fat per acre in less than 22 d of grazing. This is very high production compared to dairy systems with 365 days of grazing in other parts of the world (New Zealand, Australia, South America).

4 Complementary forage Systems The use of Complementary Forage Systems (CFS) is a sustainable practice extend the grazing season and forage utilization beyond the limits of pasture only systems. A CFS seeks to maximize utilities and agroecological services arising from the complementation of perennial pastures and short-rotation forage crops (FC). Profit increase, perenniality conservation, biodiversity maintenance, soil organic matter build-up, flexible feed budgeting, opportunity for pasture renovation, and more efficient use of key farm resources (land) and inputs (water and nutrients) are potential benefits in a CFS

5 Role of brassicas in a CFS Brassicas (leaf turnips, radishes, forage rape, kale) need to play a key role in a CFS in Michigan. Brassicas incorporate three important complementarities into the system by: i) producing high amounts of high quality forage during periods of pasture shortage (System level) ii) improving dietary balance and reducing limitations of energy intake commonly experienced in lactating or finishing animals (Animal level) iii) improving soil physical properties and function, including release of glucosinolate exudates to suppress soil-borne pathogens, deep root penetration and improved soil aeration and infiltration, and improved water and nitrogen use efficiency.

6 Forage rape trials at KBS: Winfred and A3-Goliath from PGGseeds July: No till Drilling after herbicide August: Rapid establishment despite drought September: Exponential growth October: Explosive yield in short period

7 Equipment Costs Per Acre Spraying Equipment and Labor at $12/hr $ 8. 1st application Spraying Equipment and Labor at $12/hr $ 8. 2nd application Fertilizer Application with Labor at $12/hr $ 1.56 Planting with John Deere No-till Drill $ 32.4 $ Input Costs Cornerstone (glyphosate) + 2,4-D Amine + AMS $ 3.1 Does not include cost of picking up the spreader and fertilizer at the dealer Rate = 1.25 qt Cornerstone and.5 qt 2,4-D amine Cornerstone (glyphosate) + AMS $ 3.8 Rate = 1. qt Cornerstone Fertilizer Cost: Urea at 29 lbs N/acre $ $.651 per lb N Winterhawk' Annual 34 lbs/acre $ $.92 per lb PGG seeds Winfred and A3 3.9 lb/acre $ 15.6 $4. per lb $ $ Total implantation cost, Equipment + Inputs *** The equipment/labor costs are all probably low for working in these small paddocks and taking extra care for research purposes. Costs were derived using normal driving speeds

8 yield, lb DM/acre PGG Brassica growth and yield: A 2 penny forage with very high quality A3 Winfred Yield, lb DM/ac DM content, % A3- Goliath Winfred Pasture 1,536 8,84 9,898 18, 18,3 2,2 ADF, % 1,7 1,6 29,4 NDF, % 15,4 15,8 5,3 IVTD-48h, % 93,7 94,8 71,1 CP, % 24,2 23,7 17,6 In about 8 days of growth, standing crop yield is between 4 to 5 tn DM. Implantation cost was $.12 to $.14 per lb produced. At 65% utilization the cost of forage consumed was about.17 to.2/lb DM. This is comparable to the cost of a perennial pasture forage and is significantly lower than the cost of most forage or concentrate supplements available in the market.

9 Growth rate,lb/ac d-1 Inclusion of Forage Rape as a complementary forage in pasture-based systems Pasture Only Forage Rape Forage produced during summer and fall has higher economic value than feed produced during spring, when environmental conditions are more favorable for pasture growth. This concept fits well with the growth pattern of growth of forage rape in Michigan

10 Growth rate, lb/ac d-1 Forage Utilization, lb/ac year Forage Rape acreage in a CFS CFS 7 Pasture-3 Ryegrass/ Rape Average GR Forage Utilization CFS Acreage of Forage Rape should be based on a reasonable compromise between the amount of available pasture, forage seasonality and production goals. Trials at KBS started in 212 confirm that a CFS including 7% perennial pasture and 3% Forage Rape-Annual Ryegrass mix could increase forage production compared to a perennial pasture system (14, vs. 1,5 lb DM/ac) while improving the distribution of grazeable forage throughout the season.

11 Forage production, DM lb/ac Forage Rape-Annual Ryegrass Mix: Spring Vs. Summer seeding (213) Fall Spring 2 Spring Ryegrass + Summer Rape Spring Ryegrass- Rape Mix Multiple grazing events (2-3/year) of regrowth Brassicas has the potential to provide balanced high quality feed for a more extended grazing season. It may also help reduce loss of performance (milk production or weight gains) as a result of poor rumen adaptation to a new, highly degradable feed or to changing proportions of forages in diets. Winfred Forage Rape was drilled into a previous year s annual ryegrass in late April. Seed rate was 4 lb/ac plus 32 units of N/ac. No irrigation was applied The Ryegrass- Winfred mix was heavily stocked in spring (>65% use) and then closed to facilitate ryegrass seed bank development. Subsequent regrowth of both,winfred and newly established annual ryegrass were grazed late fall.