PASTURE AND FODDER ATTRIBUTES OF OAT VARIETIES

Abstract

Oat varieties recommended for grain production in Saskatchewan were evaluated for relative pasture and fodder attributes on dry land and irrigated land. The results showed that there were no significant differences in forage yield between any of them but that several did differ significantly in protein content. The total yield of forage was greatest if harvesting was done once, at maturity only, but the protein yield was the lowest. In regrowth potential the varieties differed little from one another at any stage. All varieties displayed a much better capacity for regrowth if cut before the flowering stage than after. Varieties differed in resistance to being pulled out of the soil, Fortune requiring the most force and Exeter the least. The overall results showed little advantage of any one variety over another for hay and pasture use.