Influence of Grazing on Canola Grain, Canola Forage Yield, and Beef Cattle Performance
Leonard M. Lauriault, Sangu V. Angadi, Glenn C. Duff, Eric J. Scholljegerdes, Murali K. Darapuneni, Gasper K. Martinez

TL;DR
Grazing winter canola reduces grain yield by 20-25%, but canola forage supports beef cattle performance without significant negative effects.
Contribution
Demonstrates the feasibility of dual-purpose grazing of winter canola with minimal impact on cattle performance despite reduced grain yield.
Findings
Grazing winter canola reduces grain yield by 25% compared to ungrazed canola.
Cattle performance and forage nutritive value are not significantly affected by grazing.
Proper grazing management is essential to balance grain yield loss and animal gains.
Abstract
Interest is increasing in grazing winter canola as an alternative crop in winter wheat rotations in the Southern High Plains of the USA and similar environments. In this study, winter cereal rye and winter canola pastures (forage) were compared for two winter growing seasons to determine the relative effect of pasture type on beef cattle performance, along with the effect of grazing on canola grain production. Canola grain yields were reduced by 25% when canola was grazed for approximately one month after grazing was initiated, but before the onset of rapid regrowth in spring. No differences existed for forage mass, nutritive value, or animal performance, although forage mineral composition of canola could be a concern. Grazing winter canola as a dual-purpose crop in semiarid environments is feasible when proper grazing management is applied; a 20–25% reduction in grain yield should be…
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Taxonomy
TopicsNitrogen and Sulfur Effects on Brassica · Soil Carbon and Nitrogen Dynamics · Plant Micronutrient Interactions and Effects
