Check out these recent updates from ongoing forage research projects:

  • Figure 1. Harvesting triticale forage plots in Keedysville, MD on April 26, 2021.

    Research Update: Effect of Soil Fertility on Triticale Yield and Quality

  • Forage cereal cover crop variety study at the Central Maryland Research and Education Center

    2021 Forage Performance of Cereal Cover Crops in Maryland

Additional updates for ongoing forage-related research projects:

Effect of Energy Supplementation on Growth, Health, and Carcass Traits of Pasture-Raised Lambs

Energy is often one of the most limiting nutrients in the diets of pastured livestock, especially for young, growing animals. As a result, the objective of this research project was to determine if energy supplementation in the form of whole barley would improve the health, growth, and carcass characteristics of pasture-raised lambs.

Visit the small ruminant research blog for regular updates and preliminary results on this project.

Effects of Nitrogen and Sulfur Fertility on Triticale Forage Protein Concentrations and Dairy Cow Performance

Many producers recognize the value of winter forages like triticale as a high yielding and high quality forage crop for feeding livestock. The objectives of this study are to investigate the effect of increasing nitrogen fertility rates with and without sulfur on triticale forage to determine 1) the effects on forage yield, 2) if using a higher fertilization rate will the increase the value of the forage through increased protein concentrations, and 3) the resulting implications of incorporating that forage into the ration for lactating dairy cattle.

Effect of an Improved Grazing Management System on Dairy Heifer Performance

A study was initiated in April 2021 to investigate the effects of improved pasture management on short- and long-term heifer performance. Heifers will be managed under an intensive grazing system, which will utilize a combination of annual and perennial pastures, and will be compared to heifers managed under a conventional, TMR-based system.

Research update