Effects of Different Mixture Ratios of Common Vetch and Triticale on Forage Yield and Silage Quality

Abstract

In order to obtain high amounts and quality forage in legume grain mixtures, the mixture ratios must be adjusted well. Since grains are tillered due to their physiology, their ratios in roughage are different from the mixing ratios in planting. This is a factor that increases roughage yield and reduces crude protein rate and yield. In addition, in cases where grains are insufficient in terms of minerals in animal nutrition and are planted in mixtures with legumes, the rapid development and high yield effects of grains should be combined with the balanced nutrition potential of legumes in order to obtain better quality feed. In the research, which was conducted to determine the effect of vetch and triticale mixture ratios on yield and silage quality in Sakarya ecological conditions, plantings were carried out at different mixture ratios. In this study, 100% Vetch, 100% Triticale, 75% Vetch + 25% Triticale, 50% Vetch + 50% Triticale and 25% Vetch + 75% Triticale were planted in Sakarya conditions and the effect of the mixture ratios on grass yield was revealed. Additionally, silage was made from the mixtures obtained, and the effect of the applied mixture ratios on silage quality was determined. Field trials of the research were carried out in the trial areas of Sakarya University of Applied Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture. In the experiment, plant height, green and dry forage yield observations were taken. At the end of the maturation period, silage was made in 2 kilogram containers from each parcel as a silage quality criterion; silage dry matter ratio, silage pH, crude protein ratio, ADF and NDF observations were taken. By calculating the physical and sensory analysis and fleig point used to determine silage quality, the silages obtained from the mixtures were defined in detail by chemical, physical and sensory analysis and the fleig point. In the study, the highest green forage yield, hay yield, crude protein, ADF, NDF ratio and fleig point were obtained from 100% Vetch, 100% Triticale, 100% Vetch, 100% Triticale, 100% Triticale and 50% Vetch+50% Triticale mixtures, respectively. Due to the favorable outcomes in terms of forage yield and silage quality, 25% Vetch + 75% Triticale mixture ratio can be recommended to producers.