Abstract
<p>The objective was to explore the potentials of five spring triticale (x<em>Triticosecale </em>Wittmack) varieties (AC Ultima, Bunker, Companion, Pronghorn, Taza and Tyndal) for integration into beef cattle feeding systems in the north western Alberta, Canada. This was carried out over four growing seasons (2009 to 2012) at different sites, using RCBD in each year. The crop was cut at late milk stage to determine the silage (SY), dry matter (DMY) and protein (CPY) yields, and nutrition quality. The mean DMY was similar (P<em> </em>&gt; 0.05) for all varieties, ranging from 8.14 to 8.53 t ha<sup>-1</sup>. The forage DM was higher (P<em> </em>&lt;<em> </em>0.05) in 2009 and 2012 growing seasons (8.91 and 9.40 t ha<sup>-1</sup>, respectively) and lower in 2010 growing season (5.93 t ha<sup>-1</sup>) than in 2011 (8.33 t ha<sup>-1</sup>). The forage nutritive values revealed that tested varieties have potentials in terms of protein (7.72-8.32%) and some macro (particularly Ca &amp; K) and micro (especially Fe &amp; Mn) mineral elements and energy contents (62.1-64.1% TDN, 1.51-1.57 Mcal kg<sup>-1</sup>ME) for pregnant cows that are in the second and third trimester stages. Levels of relative feed value (RFV) was high (110-121) and more than the minimum suggested RFV for mature beef cattle. But levels of P, Mg, Na, S, Cu and Zn were insufficient to meet the suggested amounts needed by a dry gestating cow. The growing seasons appeared to have significant (P &lt; 0.05) effects on most of the measured parameters. The implications of these findings on uses of triticale forage in ruminant nutrition and the need for more studies are discussed.</p>
Highlights
Cereals such as oats (Avena sativa), barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) and triticale can provide excellent supplementary forage, options for extending the grazing season and diversity in crop rotations (Aasen et al, 2004)
The plant height was significantly lower for Tyndal and AC Ultima (83 and 86 cm) in 2010, and it was higher for Bunker in 2011 (145 cm)
Both the SY and dry matter yield (DMY) were lower for Bunker in 2010 (16 t SY ha-1 and 5.60 t DMY ha-1), while they were higher for Bunker in 2012 (30 t SY ha-1 & 10.60 t DMY ha-1) than other varieties
Summary
Cereals such as oats (Avena sativa), barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) and triticale (xTriticosecale Wittmack) can provide excellent supplementary forage, options for extending the grazing season and diversity in crop rotations (Aasen et al, 2004). Recent research by Gill et al (2013a, 2013b) and Omokanye (2014) have identified forage type barley and oat varieties for beef cattle production in northern Alberta, Canada. Triticale is a dual-purpose cereal crop and it has the potential to provide economic benefits for both grain and forage based production systems (Igne et al, 2007). In western Canada, early triticale breeding research programs were focused on developing varieties for high grain yield with drought-tolerant features for marginal wheat-producing lands. Research in central Alberta showed triticale emerging as a high yielding silage crop (Baron et al, 2000)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
