π½ UK Forage Crops (Non-Grass)
Interactive Knowledge Hub β Agriculture Apprentices (L2 & L3)
π― Why Grow Forage Crops?
- β‘ Provide energy (starch)
- 𧬠Supply protein
- π¦ Provide bulk and fibre
- π· Reduce bought-in feed costs
Key idea: Every forage crop must match a livestock purpose.
π± Main UK Forage Crops (Other Than Grass)
- High starch, high energy
- Mainly dairy & finishing cattle
- Needs warm conditions
- High establishment cost
Think: Would this suit your farm location?
- Energy + fibre
- Earlier harvest than grain
- Flexible rotational option
- Winter forage option
- Fast growing, high yield
- Risk of animal health issues if mismanaged
- High protein
- Fix nitrogen in soil
- Require careful management
π Quantity vs Quality
Measured as yield (t/ha)
- Weather βοΈπ§οΈ
- Soil type π€
- Establishment success π±
- ME (energy)
- Protein
- Starch
- Digestibility
Reminder: Big yields donβt guarantee good feed.
π Matching Forage to Livestock
- Dairy cows β π½ Maize
- Finishing cattle β π½ / πΎ
- Store cattle β πΎ Wholecrop
- Winter sheep β π₯¬ Brassicas
π¦οΈ Growth & Risk Factors
- Weather variability
- Unsuitable soil
- Pests & weeds
- Harvest timing errors
π Quick Knowledge Check
Have a go first β then reveal the answers.
- Which forage crop provides the highest starch?
β
Maize silage β high starch and energy, mainly for dairy and finishing cattle.
- Name one advantage and one risk of forage brassicas.
β
Advantage: High yield in a short growing period.
β οΈ Risk: Animal health issues if poorly managed (e.g. rumen upset, mineral imbalance).
- Why does harvest timing matter for forage crops?
β
Harvest timing affects nutritional quality β late harvest often increases yield but reduces digestibility and feed value.