Cultivation

Forage value of rapeseed

Brassica napus var. napus

Rapeseed is a versatile forage crop used as a source of green biomass and high-protein concentrates (meal, cake). Modern “00” varieties with low erucic acid and glucosinolate content allow for their safe inclusion in the diets of cattle and poultry.

In the reference 157 varieties crop Rapeseed, where this is mentioned in the description.

Rapeseed green biomass is used for grazing, silage, and haylage production, with mowing stimulating rapid regrowth. In the flowering phase, crude protein content reaches 14–17%, which is comparable to alfalfa. In terms of amino acid content, such as lysine, methionine, and cystine, rapeseed cake and meal are close to soybean products, while the metabolizable energy in rapeseed significantly exceeds that of cereal and pulse crops.

The “00” technological standard ensures the absence of anti-nutritional factors, making the crop a lactogenic supplement that increases milk yield and weight gain in livestock. Agronomic control is necessary during grazing to prevent bloat: rapeseed should not exceed 50% of the diet. Monitoring high sulfur content is also required to prevent metabolic disorders and issues with micronutrient absorption.

The maximum nutritional value of the green biomass is achieved when harvested between the onset of flowering and pod formation. During further maturation, especially after the lower leaves begin to drop, protein concentration decreases significantly.

General information about the subject — on the page Forage purpose.

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Varieties of Rapeseed mentioned in the description

Selection based on the description text, not on official evaluation: these data are absent from registers. For specific variety details, please refer to its profile.