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GRAZING MANAGEMENT FOR FORAGE TURNIPS S.M. Jones, K.J. Simon, J.A. Jennings1 Brassicas are annual crops which grow during the fall and into the winter. They are highly productive, digestible and contain relatively high levels of crude protein and energy. They can be grazed 70 to 90 days after seeding, depending on the species and weather. Demonstrations conducted in Fall of 2011showed that forage turnips planted between late August and early September can provide green forage for grazing by the end of October. The two forage brassica varieties used in our demonstrations in 2011 were Appin and Pasja (Ampac Seed Company). The third brassica variety used was Seven-top. The seeding rate was 5 pounds per acre. In addition to the brassicas, Marshall ryegrass was over seeded at 22 lbs/acre on each demonstration farm. Under variable management among farms, acceptable dry matter yields were produced. At the time of sampling and the start of grazing (approximately November 1) the ryegrass had not reached adequate forage height to sample or graze. The crude protein and TDN exceeded the nutritional requirements for all classes of livestock. Demonstrations were grazed by small ruminants and beef cattle. A total of 15.7 acres of brassicas produced 942.4 AU grazing days. Most livestock had not grazed forage brassicas and appeared to refuse grazing them at first turnin. On the demonstration farms we observed that the animals were reluctant to start grazing the turnips, but grazed them readily in four or five days. Rotational or controlled grazing increased forage utilization over continuous grazing by 40%. The amount of forage produced will depend upon soil fertility and fertilization. The number of grazing days provided by forage turnips and other forage brassicas will be influenced by the type of grazing method implemented. _________________________________ 1 Associate Professor- Animal Science, Animal Science Forage Program Associate, ProfessorExtension Forages, respectively, University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture, Little Rock, AR, 72204. GRAZING MANAGEMENT FOR FORAGE TURNIPS S.M. Jones, K.J. Simon, J.A. Jennings1 Abstract Brassicas are annual crops which grow during the fall and into the winter. They are highly productive, digestible and contain relatively high levels of crude protein and energy. They can be grazed 70 to 90 days after seeding, depending on the species and weather. Proper grazing management is important to optimize the true potential of these crops. Four on-farm demonstrations were established in 2011 with the objectives of 1) evaluating potential forage turnip yield; 2) evaluate the potential of extending fall and winter grazing with turnips and 3) measure the cost of production. Demonstrations were planted from the last week of August through the third week of September. The two forage brassica varieties used in our demonstrations in 2011 were Appin and Pasja (Ampac Seed Company). The third brassica variety used was Seven-top, commonly used as a vegetable crop, but has a history of being used as a forage crop for small ruminants and in deer food plots in Arkansas. The seeding rate was 5 pounds per acre. In addition to the brassicas, Marshall ryegrass was over seeded at 22 lbs/acre on each demonstration farm. Under variable management among farms, acceptable dry matter yields were produced. Appin turnips yielded 2482 pounds of dry matter per acre, crude protein was 27.94% and TDN was 77.45. (With recommended fertilization, Appin produced 2992 pounds of dry matter/acre). Pasja turnips yielded 1615 pounds of dry matter per acre, crude protein was 31.44% and TDN was 75.3%. The Seven-Top turnips yielded 2049 pounds of dry matter per acre, crude protein was 31.02% and TDN was 78.5%. One note, the seven-top was fertilized, while some plots of Appin and Pasja were not. At the time of sampling and the start of grazing (approximately November 1) the ryegrass had not reached adequate forage height to sample or graze. The crude protein and TDN exceeded the nutritional requirements for all classes of livestock. Grazing was initiated when the plants reached 12-18 inches tall and livestock terminated when the forage was grazed to 6-10 inches in height. Forage production was calculated as animal unit (AU) grazing days per acre based on the number, weight and nutrient requirements of animals on each farm. Demonstrations were grazed by small ruminants and beef cattle. A total of 15.7 acres of brassicas produced 942 AU grazing days. Mean of cost savings per AU was $179.10. Cost savings were calculated by subtracting total cost of seed and fertilizer ___________________ 1 Associate Professor- Animal Science, Animal Science Forage Program Associate, ProfessorExtension Forages, respectively, University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture, Little Rock, AR, 72204. from the total cost of hay and/or grain supplement that would have been fed without the brassicas. Most livestock had not grazed forage brassicas and appeared to refuse grazing them at first turn-in. On the demonstration farms we observed that the animals were reluctant to start grazing the turnips, but grazed them readily in four or five days. Proper grazing management is important to optimize the true potential of these crops. Rotational or controlled grazing increased forage utilization over continuous grazing by 40%. Grazing large areas increased trampling and waste of the available forage. Strip grazing small areas provided the most efficient utilization. Forage turnips can produce high yields of palatable and nutritious forage for livestock during periods when perennial forages have limited production. The digestibility of the forage remains high over a relatively longer period than perennial crops. To improve forage yield potential, apply fertilizer according to soil test recommendations. Proper grazing management can increase the number of grazing days by 40% percent over continuous grazing. Plan for a transition and adjustment period to allow livestock time to accept this new forage.