![cattle and crops cattle and crops](https://cdn.flickeringmyth.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Cattle-and-Crops.jpg)
Dates of sowing were TOS1 = April 15 and TOS2 = May 18 and individual plots were 20m long x 1.44m. The experiments were split plot designs with species and variety subplots randomised within grazing and time of sowing (TOS main plots) and three replicates. In separate paddocks (6.5ha) at the Esperance Downs Research Station we sowed one canola and one cereal experiment (Figures 1-4). Any nitrogen applications should be applied after stock are removed. Some compromise may be required when considering application of chemicals for the control of pests or weeds on the crops as withholding periods for stock need to be observed. The plant may be able to utilse this reserved ground water at grain fill improving grain quality. Reducing early biomass of plants through grazing can also mean ground water is reserved as less is needed to support biomass. However, if flowering is delayed too long this may push grain fill into a period of increasing temperatures and reduced moisture, affecting yield. This can be advantageous as it may move flowering out of a frost window. The harder the plant is grazed, the longer it will take to recover.įlowering times can be delayed by grazing. Crops should be grazed to a level allowing enough residual biomass for plant recovery. Post grazing biomass, subsequent rainfall and growing season length can all affect crop recovery. To ensure limited effect of grazing on crop yield, stock should be removed by the beginning of stem elongation (growth stage Z30) or the beginning of bud formation in canola. Stocking rates should be calculated to ensure enough grazing pressure to achieve an even grazing of the crop so that subsequent recovery and plant maturation remains even across the paddock. Any withholding periods on seed treatments should also be observed.
![cattle and crops cattle and crops](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Ep7DMvYXEAM5ciL.jpg)
Stock should be introduced to the crop only when the plants are securely anchored in the ground and there is enough biomass available for the desired stocking rate.
![cattle and crops cattle and crops](https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/659403534476161025/-q_8Xv2U.png)
Seasonal conditions, such as a late break, can limit the potential of utilising crops for grazing.
![cattle and crops cattle and crops](https://fs17.lt/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/horsch-kredo-express-4-kr.jpg)
The Department of Agriculture and Food, Western Australia’s (DAFWA) research has shown that to see a significant benefit from grazing dual purpose crops, the grazing period may need to be longer than four weeks, particularly when grazing canola.Įarly sowing is recommended to maximise biomass production for grazing. During this adaption period animals may not be able to gain the maximum nutritional benefit from the feed and animal performance may suffer. Cattle, especially young stock, should be vaccinated against pulpy kidney before being introduced to lush paddocks.Ĭattle require time to adapt to different sources of feed and be able to utilise it effectively. Mineral supplementation including magnesium, calcium and salt may also be required. A source of fibre should also be supplied when cattle are grazing crops. Feeding with hay is recommended prior to introducing cattle to crops. This may enable stock to reach target markets earlier than would otherwise occur.Ĭattle should not be introduced to lush pastures or crops on an empty stomach. The livestock enterprise can benefit from reduced supplementary feed costs when cattle graze on crops and the pasture wedge during the autumn-winter feed gap.Īnimal production may also be higher if crops grazed have a higher nutritive value than feed that would otherwise be on offer during winter.