In-Depth Notes on Forage Cereals, Ryegrasses, and Fodder Beet

Introduction to Forage Cereals, Ryegrasses, and Fodder Beet

• Speaker: Dr. Alastair Black
• Focus: Describing forage cereals, ryegrasses, and fodder beet as supplements to pasture production in New Zealand.
• Objective: To quantify dry matter yields, nutritional value, and management requirements for these forage options.
• Classification: Winter green feeds include cereals and ryegrasses; fodder beet emerges as a high-yield winter option.

Cereal Green Feeds

• Typically include any temperate cereal; oats are the most common.
• Other options: rye corn, wheat, barley.
  • Rye corn: Used in regions with short growing seasons and low soil fertility.
• Common Use: Pasture crop rotation, especially in South Island High Country.

Identifying Cereal Species

• Oats: Recognizable by twisted leaves.
• Barley (Hordeum vulgare): Large ears; pronounced as "Baa Lee" for emphasis.
• Wheat: Has hairy ears; pronounced as "Wuheet".
• General Tip: Use resources like Massey University’s pasture plant identification for guidance.

Characteristics of Green Feed Cereals

• Few, large tillers: High initial yield but lower nutritional value compared to ryegrasses.
• Lower regrowth capability: Larger tillers are more prone to damage, resulting in fewer surviving tillers post-grazing.
• Best utilization: Sometimes used for single grazing or varieties with better regrowth characteristics.
• Seed considerations: Large seeds enable late sowing and can be planted in rougher seedbeds compared to smaller seeds.

Management of Cereal Crops

• Cereal crops can also be used for silage production.
  • Example: A mix of oats and ryegrass planted for high sugar content, yielding 6-8 tonnes of dry matter per hectare.

Forage Maize

• Considered a summer forage crop but can supplement winter feed.
• Sensitive to frost; typically grown in warmer regions.
• Planting requires careful timing to avoid spring frosts and accommodate harvest schedules.
• Management strategy: Incorporation into pasture renewal or short rotations for livestock feed.

Green Feed Ryegrass

• Generally higher quality feed than cereal green feeds.
• Suitable for young livestock and pregnant ewes nearing lambing.
• Includes varieties such as annual ryegrass and Italian ryegrass.

Characteristics of Ryegrass

• Smaller tillers with higher sugar content, leading to better regrowth after grazing compared to cereals.
• Requires a well-prepared seedbed and earlier planting than cereals.

Cultivar Development

• Notable cultivars include Grasslands Paroa and Grasslands Tama (tetraploid with larger seeds).
• Modern hybrid ryegrasses have emerged, responding to dairy industry demands.

Fodder Beet

• Classified under the species Beta vulgaris; renewed interest over the past 25 years.
• Typically direct-grazed in winter; has high energy (ME 13-14 MJ/kg DM) but low protein content due to leaf loss in winter.

Management Requirements for Fodder Beet

• Transition to fodder beet should be gradual to avoid acidosis in livestock.
• High-yield potential (20-30 tonnes DM/ha) under the right conditions.
• Requires precision sowing to minimize competition and maximize bulb growth.

Cultivation Practices

• Growing Conditions: Deep, fertile soils; irrigation beneficial; spacing between plants is critical to bulb size.
• Common challenges include weed control and susceptibility to diseases.

Conclusion

• A diverse range of forage options (cereals, ryegrasses, fodder beet) available to support livestock needs throughout the year.
• Understanding individual crop management and yield potential is key for successful implementation.
• Additional reading recommended from New Zealand Pasture and Crop Science textbooks and resources on pasture forage management.