Description
Spring triticale (X Triticosecale Wittm.) has a nutritional value that is like other spring cereal grain forages and presents a wide range in value and potential for ruminant feed (Emile et al. 2007). As varieties are improved, they may compete with oats as a spring forage source. A multi-location evaluation was conducted during 2021 in Wisconsin (Spooner, Marshfield and Lancaster) to evaluate spring triticale varieties harvested at two maturities (boot and mature stage) for yield and nutritive value. Treatments included six spring triticale varieties (AR-1, AR-2, AR-3, AR-4 and a local oat (WI-O) and triticale (WI-T) variety. Response variables measured included DM yield, and nutritive value constituents [crude protein (CP), digestibility (IVDMD, NDFD), carbohydrates (WSC, fructans, starch), fiber components (NDF, ADF, lignin) and minerals (P, K, Ca)]. Yield and nutritive value variables had interactions with locations (P < 0.01). Yield for all treatments were higher at mid and south locations compared to the northern Spooner location (P < 0.01). This work presents baseline information and discusses the trade off between yield and quality at the northern-most location with lower precipitation and growing degree days (GDD), leading to lower yield but higher nutritive value, as compared to mid and southern-most locations. The increasing extremes observed in weather patterns, in terms of precipitation and temperature, warrants future evaluations.
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Spring Triticale Forage Yield and Nutritive Value as Affected by Location and Maturity in Wisconsin
Spring triticale (X Triticosecale Wittm.) has a nutritional value that is like other spring cereal grain forages and presents a wide range in value and potential for ruminant feed (Emile et al. 2007). As varieties are improved, they may compete with oats as a spring forage source. A multi-location evaluation was conducted during 2021 in Wisconsin (Spooner, Marshfield and Lancaster) to evaluate spring triticale varieties harvested at two maturities (boot and mature stage) for yield and nutritive value. Treatments included six spring triticale varieties (AR-1, AR-2, AR-3, AR-4 and a local oat (WI-O) and triticale (WI-T) variety. Response variables measured included DM yield, and nutritive value constituents [crude protein (CP), digestibility (IVDMD, NDFD), carbohydrates (WSC, fructans, starch), fiber components (NDF, ADF, lignin) and minerals (P, K, Ca)]. Yield and nutritive value variables had interactions with locations (P < 0.01). Yield for all treatments were higher at mid and south locations compared to the northern Spooner location (P < 0.01). This work presents baseline information and discusses the trade off between yield and quality at the northern-most location with lower precipitation and growing degree days (GDD), leading to lower yield but higher nutritive value, as compared to mid and southern-most locations. The increasing extremes observed in weather patterns, in terms of precipitation and temperature, warrants future evaluations.
