Relative Yields and Nutritive Values of Barley, Oats, and Peas Harvested at Four Successive Dates for Forage

Abstract

Barley, oats, and peas were planted alone and in two- and three-species equiponderant combinations and harvested at four successive dates. The mean total yields of all forages and mixtures increased by 64% between 21 July and 10 August as barley and oats advanced from early-milk/head to early-dough/milk respectively, and nonsignificantly thereafter. Pea yields were lower than yields for either barley or oats at each harvest. Peas were 2.5 times higher in crude protein than either barley or oats and increased the protein content of mixtures when included. These increases were less than expected because peas did not compete effectively with either barley or oats in mixed plantings. Although both crude protein and in vitro dry matter disappearance declined during most rapid growth, the optimum phenological stages for initiating harvest are predicated by both forage quality and yield. Data on yields and laboratory evaluation of barley, oats, and peas at successive stages of phenological development provide information for the selection of small-grain/pea forage combinations and stages of harvest for acceptable yields commensurate with quality. © 1979, American Dairy Science Association. All rights reserved.