The effect of field pea grown in mixtures with spring triticale on the content of total protein and amino acids

Abstract

Context Legume and cereal mixtures can provide valuable feed for livestock. Aims A field experiment was conducted in 2016–2018 to determine the effect of the proportion of mixture components and harvest date on the total protein content and the content of amino acids in mixtures of field pea (FP) and spring triticale (ST). Methods Two factors were chosen for examination, the ratio of FP to ST and harvest date (at the flowering and flat green pod stages). The mixtures of FP:ST trialled were 100:0, 0:100, 75:25, 50:50, 25:75. Key results Dry matter yield was maximised with an equal proportion of both components harvested at the flat green pod stage of FP. The highest content of total protein, asparagine, glutamic acid, tyrosine, serine, proline and glycine in the examined mixtures was found with 75% FP and 25% ST. Cysteine content was highest with 25% FP + 75% ST. A highest content of total protein and analysed amino acids, with the exception of glutamine acid and proline, was found in mixtures harvested at flowering of FP. Conclusions A mixture of FP + ST with 75 + 25% or an equal share of both components should be recommended for cultivation, harvesting at the flat green pod stage of FP. This will ensure high dry matter yields and high total protein content. Implications Growing a mixture of FP + ST with a component share of 75 + 25% yields green fodder with high protein and amino acid content, whereas mixtures with equal component shares have the highest dry matter yields.