Stockpiled Annual Ryegrass for Winter Forage in the Lower Midwestern USA

Abstract

Pasture growth, and thus forage supply, fluctuates throughout the year because of variable growing condi-Livestock operations, particularly pasture-based dairies in the tions (Fales et al., 1993; Matches and Burns, 1995). This lower Midwest, are interested in stockpiling annual ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) as a source of high-quality winter forage. Almost creates an uneven forage supply and an intermittent no information exists about stockpiling annual ryegrass in this region.failure of the pasture system to meet livestock require-Our objective was to determine the yield and forage quality of stockments (Fales et al., 1993; Matches and Burns, 1995). In piled annual ryegrass compared with cereal rye during winter in the the lower Midwest, the longest period of inadequate lower Midwest. 'Barmultra' and 'Marshall' annual ryegrass were evalforage supply is from mid-December through miduated at two locations (Columbia and Mt. Vernon, MO) during the March (Matches and Burns, 1995; Kallenbach et al., winters of 1998-1999 (Year 1) and 1999-2000 (Year 2). 'Forage Master' 2001) and livestock producers in this region are searchcereal rye (Secale cereale L.) was included as a comparison. Uncut ing for high quality forage for winter grazing. strips (subplots) were harvested monthly from mid-December through One forage species attracting the attention of livemid-March each year. Stockpiled annual ryegrass yields ranged from stock producers in the lower Midwest is annual ryegrass. 825 to 2356 kg ha Ϫ1 , with Marshall yielding more than Barmultra on all but one harvest date during the 2 yr. Forage quality of stockpiled Producers establish annual ryegrass in the late summer, annual ryegrass typically declined from mid-December through mid-then allow it to accumulate growth for deferred or stock-February, with a larger decline in a normal winter (Year 1) than in pile grazing in the winter. For pasture-based dairy and a mild winter (Year 2). Although forage quality tended to decline beef stocker operations in the lower Midwest, stockpiled during winter, acid detergent fiber (ADF) never exceeded 252 g kg Ϫ1 ,annual ryegrass has become a popular forage for winand neutral detergent fiber (NDF) never exceeded 455 g kg Ϫ1 . This ter grazing. suggests that stockpiled annual ryegrass could be used in the lower Despite its popularity, stockpiling annual ryegrass hasMidwest as a source of high-quality winter forage for grazing livestock.

A Novel Approach to Grass–Legume Management

“…Cultivation of annual ryegrass in the Southeast accounts for 1.1 million hectares annually (Evers, 1995). The main use of annual ryegrass is for production of high nutritive value forage for stocker cattle, replacement heifer and lactating dairy cows during the winter and spring seasons (Balasko et al, 1995;Kallenbach et al, 2003;Lippke et al, 2006).…”

Cumulative Forage Production, Forage Quality and Livestock Performance from an Annual Ryegrass and Cereal Rye Mixture in a Pine Walnut Silvopasture

“…Although the seeding rate for the annual ryegrass/cereal rye was the same for both years, apparently the environmental conditions were more conducive to cereal rye in 2001 than in 2002. Kallenbach et al (2003) reported that the growth of cereal rye in the lower Midwestern USA was often variable between years and that the variability in growth depended largely on autumn temperature and rainfall.…”

“…and cereal rye (Secale cereale L.) have become popular for late winter and spring grazing in the lower Midwest (Altom et al 1996). Producers establish this forage mix in late summer and then allow it to accumulate growth for deferred or 'stockpile' grazing in the late-winter (Kallenbach et al 2003). After the stockpiled forage is grazed, grazing continues through spring as new growth is available.…”

“…This growth habit should minimize the competition for water and nutrients between the forage species and the trees (Clason and Sharrow 2000). An additional benefit is that these forages are available for grazing when most other forages are dormant or growing slowly (Altom et al 1996;Kallenbach et al 2003). By using these forages in silvopastures, livestock operators could extend the grazing season substantially, thereby decreasing the cost to produce beef.…”

Overseeding Annual Ryegrass and Cereal Rye into Soybean as Part of a Multifunctional Cropping System: I. Grain Crop Yields, Winter Annual Weed Cover, and Residue After Planting

“…Second, a winter cover crop could suppress winter annual weeds (9,13), which are becoming more of a problem in Roundup‐Ready soybean (2). Finally, annual ryegrass or cereal rye could provide a winter forage source for beef cattle and stocker calves as discussed by Kallenbach et al (5) and Moyer and Coffey (7). Although this last benefit seems like a natural option for mixed row‐crop/livestock operations, it has largely been ignored in cover‐crop research.…”