Fodder Rape
Ease of Production and Flexibility of Sowing
Fodder Rape is a popular forage crop with many livestock farmers due to its ease of production, the flexibility of its sowing date and its palatability at feeding time.
It is capable of producing a large bulk of fodder in a short period. Not as winter hardy as Kale. Fodder Rape is an ideal pioneer crop in the reclamation of hill and marginal land.
Varieties
| Varieties | Introduction | Relative Yield ( 100=4.25t DM/ha) | Dry Matter Content % | Height (cm) | Lodging Resistance ( 1-9 , 9 = best ) | Mildew Resistance ( 1-9 , 9 = best ) | Clubroot Infection |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GORILLA | NEW Hybrid Rape variety with good regrowth potential. High yield and high leaf to stem ratio. Good leaf retention and disease resistance. Quite good resistance to Clubroot. | 109 | 12.6% | 78 | 9 | 7.3 | 10% |
| FONTAN | High yielding medium tall variety with good leaf to stem ratio. | 100 | 12.2% | 90 | 9 | 8 | 60% |
New Variety – GORILLA Fodder Rape
Take advantage of the REGROWTH Ability:
When sown early (for example in May) GORILLA can produce a first crop in August to cover a shortage of summer grass, then has good regrowth to achieve a second crop in November/December. Alternatively, GORILLA can be strip grazed as required, with good regrowth potential.
- Hybrid Variety
- L High Yield
- L Good REGROWTH potential
- Darker green leafy type
- Medium height with good standing ability
- Higher than average dry matter content leading to good dry matter intakes
- High energy content due to high leaf to stem ratio
- Good leaf retention and disease resistance
- Moderately good resistance to powdery mildew
- Quite good resistance to Club root
- Good regrowth potential similar to Red Start
Crop Management
- Manage as for Fodder Rape
- Sow from April to August at a seeding rate of 3.6-4.5kg/ acre, depending on establishment conditions.
- Feed the crop from June to February
Fodder Rape Crop Husbandry
Sowing Period
May to early September in the South. May to mid-August in the North.
Early sowings (May-mid July) may suffer severely from Powdery Mildew and aphids. Late June sowing gives a good crop in October.
Seeding Rates
Seeding rate depends on sowing conditions. Fine and firm seedbed required.
Broadcast
9-11kg/ha (3.6-4.5 kg/acre)
Direct Drill
6 kg/ha (2.8 kg/acre).
Lime
Target pH of 6.0-7.0
Fertiliser
N 90 – 125 kg/ha (72 – 100 units/ac); P 20 – 30 kg/ha (16 – 24 units/ac); K 50 – 60 kg/ha (40 – 48 units/ac), e.g. 4 x 50 kg/ac 18-6-12.
Weed Control
Normally none.
Pest Problems
Flea Beetles, Slugs and Leatherjackets are the most likely pests. Pigeons can be troublesome in the young crop – bait, shoot
Disease
Club root – Very susceptible to attack, good crop rotation will avoid the problem. Powdery Mildew -susceptible especially in early sown crops.
Feeding Information
Rape is extremely useful as a feed for fattening lambs and lactating ewes and very good performance can be achieved with good grazing conditions. It is also widely used to supplement cattle and cows but care is needed as there is a much greater risk of digestive disorders than with sheep. These problems can be prevented by taking the following precautions: Introduce Rape gradually. Restrict intakes. Always feed hay or silage as a roughage source. Supplement with phosphorus and iodine. Ensure all diets are properly balanced