Triticale has a higher protein content compared to both wheat and rye. The protein content in triticale grain is higher than that of wheat by 1-1.5% and 3-4% than that of rye, but the amount of glutenin is less. The grain also has a higher level of lysine (3.8%) and contains 2-4% fat. In 1 kg of green mass, triticale contains 0.3 feed units, while for winter wheat it is 0.18.
Farmers can prepare feedstuff in the form of:
In addition, triticale can be used as a fertilizer by incorporating it into the soil. Therefore, in general, the crop is not only a fodder, but also an agrotechnical one.
Farmers note that it is beneficial to use triticale as an intercrop between main plantings. For example, Ted Rogers of Northern Seed Company in Montana says triticale is ideal for fall planting. It grows in winter, and in spring it can be removed to obtain feedstuff and free up the field for planting corn.
Sam Brandenburg, an Illinois farmer, uses triticale in his soybean rotation. He notes that the average yield is 10 tons per hectare. This is especially relevant in the context of declining farmer incomes, as it allows you to receive additional income without significant fundamental costs.
One of the key features of triticale is its flexibility in terms of harvesting. Farmers can choose when to mow their crops depending on their schedule and needs. For example, it can be harvested at the booting stage to obtain maximum nutritional value of the feedstuff, or at the stage of soft ripeness of the grain to increase yield.
According to Steve Isaacson, Cargill feedstuff specialist, triticale provides high yields and a good balance of nutrients. This makes it especially valuable for dairy farms, where the quality of feedstuff directly affects the productivity of cows.
Triticale tolerates heat and disease better than wheat. It requires fewer chemical treatments, which reduces production costs. In organic farming conditions, this crop becomes a real find, as it is suitable for natural farming systems without the use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides.
In addition, triticale copes well with soil erosion, strengthening its structure with its roots. This makes it a valuable choice for farmers working in areas with soil degradation problems.
Joan Bucher from Illinois notes that her cattle readily eat triticale, both fresh and ensiled. “This crop is robust, nutritious and great for use as a cover crop. Every year I increase the area under triticale because I see its effectiveness,” she says.
Sam Brandenburg adds that triticale feedstuff can be stored for up to 16 months without loss of quality.This gives farmers greater flexibility in managing inventory.
Steve Isaacson points out that in regions where triticale is grown mixed with barley or wheat, yields and nutritional value are increased. This allows for improved diets for both dairy and beef cattle while minimizing the cost of expensive additives.
Triticale has proven itself as an intercropping crop. It can be grown between main crops such as corn and soybeans. Many farmers use this crop to get a double harvest per season. For example, triticale is planted in the fall, collected for feedstuff in the spring, packed in bale net wraps, stretch, or placed in silage trenches empty during the winter, and then the field is replanted with another crop.
When sown in autumn, triticale reaches the double ring stage and the transition of the vegetative cone to the development of generative organs earlier (from February) than wheat, and also forms the apical spikelet earlier than wheat (late March/early April). The “long period,” i.e., the elongation of the ear, begins on April 20, at least a week to 14 days earlier than in wheat.
However, if triticale is sown too early (during the long day, before 20 September), it will begin to emerge prematurely due to less need for vernalization compared to wheat, which increases the risk of overwintering. Most triticale varieties are less frost-hardy than most wheat varieties.
Depending on the type and location of the soil, the recommended dates for sowing change (relevant for central Europe):
You should also take into account the characteristics of the seed variety in order to select the most optimal period.
With the development of global agriculture, triticale is becoming an interesting product for export. Its high nutritional value and low production costs make it attractive to resource-limited countries that require quality livestock feedstuff with nutritional composition and high protein content.
In some regions, triticale is already used as a main ingredient in pig and poultry feedstuff.
The main producers of triticale are Poland, Germany, Belarus and France. In terms of production by year, you can see more detailed information in the table:
Triticale is a promising crop that can reduce feedstuff costs, improve the quality of animal nutrition and increase the profitability of farming. Thanks to its sustainability, flexibility and nutritional value, this crop is confidently gaining a place in modern agricultural practice. If you are looking for a way to improve your farm’s productivity, triticale may be an excellent choice.
We recommend packing your triticale harvest in Polypak bale net wraps, which will allow you to conveniently and securely store the feedstuff.
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2020 All Rights Reserved.