An Elders agronomist has been conducting a large-scale demonstration east of Esperance to investigate the use of brassicas in grazing systems.
The site, which has been established by local graziers at Epasco Farms, is investigating best options for livestock producers seeking new varieties for feed, considering digestibility, and energy and protein content. Included in the trial are brassica grazing plants kale, kale-radish hybrid Pallaton Raphno® and Cleancrop™ leafy turnip, as well as cereals Illabo wheat and Stingermax ryegrass blend.
Elders agronomist Adelaide Hagan, who is based at Esperance, commenced with Elders almost three years ago as part of the Graduate Agronomy Program, and is now leading the research at the site. Adelaide said brassicas are an often-underrated option for graziers, but the results from the site have shown that they should be considered due to their attractive qualities, particularly for weight gain.
“Forage brassicas can provide quick and abundant feed, with high digestibility, energy, and protein. The crude protein content of brassica leaves ranges from 15 to 25 per cent (pc), and the metabolisable energy content is also very high,” Adelaide said.
“Including a kale in this pasture trial is something slightly different as it is not usually grown in the Esperance region, but it has good winter hardiness and excellent pest and disease tolerance.
“We do see excellent weight gain results from forage brassicas, as this trial has shown.”
Even with a dry start to the season in Western Australia, the biomass was produced quickly by the seeded pastures. The first biomass cuts were taken on 22 July, and the dry matter from all species sat well above what would be typically expected in mid-winter, usually approximately 1000 to 1500 kg of dry matter per hectare (kg/DM/ha).
The Cleancrop™ leafy turnip came in at 1890 kg/DM/ha, Stingermax ryegrass blend 2270 kg/DM/ha, the Pallaton® Raphno 2570 kg/DM/ha, and the Illabo wheat at 2590 kg/DM/ha.
Heifers were then introduced following the biomass cuts.
“The cows were weighed prior to introduction and again on 12 August, and were found to have gained an average of 28 kilograms over the 20 days, equating to 1.4 kilograms gained per day,” Adelaide said.
The work underway in Western Australia is just one part of Elders’ wider innovation, research and development program. Elders-operated trial sites span from Gatton in Queensland to here in Esperance, and everywhere in between, playing a crucial role in developing new sustainable solutions, products and technologies.
These trial and demonstration results are for demonstration/informative purposes only, and do not constitute personalised advice or as guarantee as to specific results or outcomes that may be achieved. Any used techniques and similar in the demonstration should only be used by experienced growers following proper consideration of suitability and after obtaining tailored advice to the specific circumstances of the relevant paddock or property and environmental conditions. Elders accepts no responsibility for use of trial/demonstration material inconsistent with this disclaimer.
