Star Seed

Triticale has been used in various sections of the U.S.A. for eight years for silage, and to a lesser extent, as hay. The silage triticale varieties are taller, larger plants than wheat or barley and will produce several tons more green forage per acre. More importantly, the triticale has more protein and a higher quality protein than other small grains. Generally speaking, triticale has 90-95% as much energy as corn silage, and 150-200% of the protein, depending upon the stage of maturity at harvest.

The earlier the cut, the higher the protein and the lower the energy. The crude protein in boot-cut hay is usually about 16-18%, and in silage cut in the soft dough, it is usually about 12-14%. An early spring side dressing with nitrogen will increase the protein content significantly, along with increasing the tonnage.

The dairyman can expect a significant increase in milk production when he switches from corn silage to triticale. AS boot-cut hay, triticale is approximately the equal of alfalfa and works well when fed in combination with alfalfa. Over-seeding of alfalfa or other legumes will increase the tonnage harvested while retaining or improving the quality of the hay. The use of a good silage preservative is recommended on triticale over 65% moisture. Do not cut for hay or silage after grain is made as the beards get too tough.

Planting Rate: 60-120 pound per acre

IMAGE: This is a file from the Wikimedia Commons