Trial Site: Fairview Research Farm
Research Coordinator: Dr. Akim Omokanye
From: Peace Country Beef & Forage Association 2017 Annual Report
In the Peace Country, oats have become a reliable source of conserved forage for over-wintering beef cattle. There is a need for continued local testing (for agronomic adaptation, forage yield and quality, and animal performance) as new crop varieties become available. The Regional Silage Variety Trials (RSVTs) are replicated province wide and they are an important source of information for forage-based livestock production regarding the forage yield potential and quality performance of new crop varieties as they become available. The RSVTs are carried out in small plot replicated trials. PCBFA’s yearly trials provide unbiased, comprehensive information that assists producers to make better crop choices for silage or greenfeed production. The results from this site and other parts of the province will also be reported in the Alberta Seed Guide (www.seed.ab.ca).
Objective
The objective of this study was to identify oat varieties with superior forage yield and feed quality for beef cattle production, when grown in the Peace Region of Alberta.
Methods
Project Site: Fairview Research Farm (NW5-82-3W6) on RR #35, MD of Fairview.
Previous Crop: Alfalfa for over 10 years before spraying out in 2016 (chemical fallow)
Site Soil Information (0-6” depth): Soil tests done at Exova laboratory (Edmonton) prior to seeding showed pH = 5.8 and soil organic matter = 7.0%.
The field was cultivated (disked and harrowed) before seeding.
Experimental Design: Randomized complete block design in 4 replications.
Treatments (oat varieties): Nine (9) oat varieties tested are listed below:
1. CDC Baler (Check)