Relative Yields and Nutritive Values of Barley, Oats, and Peas Harvested at Four Successive Dates for Forage

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Abstract
Barley, oats and peas were planted alone and in 2- and 3-species equiponderant combinations and harvested at 4 successive dates. The mean total yields of all forages and mixtures increased by 64% between July 21 and Aug. 10 as barley and oats advanced from early-milk/head to early-dough/milk, respectively, and nonsignificantly thereafter. Pea yields were lower than yields for barely or oats at each harvest. Peas were 2.5 times higher in crude protein than barley or oats and increased the protein content of mixtures when included. These increases were less than expected because peas did not compete effectively with barley or oats in mixed plantings. Crude protein and in vitro dry matter disappearance declined during most rapid growth. The optimum phenological stages for initiating harvest are predicted by forage quality and yield. Data on yields and laboratory evaluation of barley, oats and peas at successive stages of phenological development provide information for the selection of smallgrain/pea forage combinations and stages of harvest for acceptable yields commensurate with quality.