Effect of intercropping vetch (Vicia sativa L.), field pea (Pisum sativum L.) and triticale (X Triticosecale) on dry‐matter yield, nutritive and ensiling characteristics when harvested at two growth stages

Abstract

AbstractThis study aimed to investigate the effects of growth stage and legume proportion on the nutritive and ensiling characteristics of triticale–pea–vetch intercrop mixtures. The three‐species mixtures were sown at three seeding ratios to produce different legume proportions (low, medium and high proportions) and harvested at two growth stages. The six resulting forages were subsequently ensiled in mini‐silos. Forage dry‐matter (DM) yield, nutritive characteristics of fresh and ensiled mixtures and fermentation characteristics of silages were determined. Forage DM yield almost tripled between early‐stage harvest and late‐stage harvest. Nutritive characteristics of fresh and ensiled mixtures were affected by both growth stage and legume proportion: crude protein concentration and pepsin–cellulase digestibility decreased whereas NDF and ADF concentrations increased as growth stage advanced. Crude protein concentration and pepsin–cellulase digestibility were higher for the high‐legume treatment at both growth stages. All mixtures ensiled well, as indicated by low pH and high lactic and acetic acids contents. However, all silages had high soluble nitrogen and ammonia concentrations. This study showed that triticale–pea–vetch silages hold good potential net energy supply value for ruminants, especially at early‐stage growth and when legume proportion increases. However, protein value has to be improved by reducing protein breakdown during ensiling.