Quantity and Quality of Triticale and Other Small Grain Silages1

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Abstract
Small grain crops are used for ensiling with good results but no information is available on yield and quality of triticale (X Triticosecale Wittmack) as a silage. A field experiment was conducted during two growing seasons, 1974–75 and 1975–76, on a Decatur silty clay loam soil (Rhodic Paleudult) to provide comparative data on quantity and quality of silage produced by triticale, wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), rye (Secale cereale L.), oats (Avena sativa L.) and barley (Hordeum vulgare L.). Silage quality was analyzed by standard laboratory procedures. Forage and silage yields of both triticales were significantly higher than the other small grain cultivars during both growing seasons. Triticale and rye silages contained similar amounts of crude protein, ash, and ether extract. They were significantly lower than wheat but significantly higher than oats or barley in these constituents. No significant differences were found in gross energy, pH, phosphorus, or calcium contents. Triticale can be adequately ensiled and dough stage harvest produced acceptable yield of good quality silage.

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