Cultivation

Fodder use of Eastern goat's rue

Galega orientalis Lam.

Eastern goat's rue (Galega orientalis) is a perennial legume characterized by a productive lifespan of up to 25 years and early spring regrowth. The plant has high nutritional value, containing up to 30% protein, and does not contain the toxic alkaloids typical of other species in the genus.

In the reference 9 varieties crop Eastern goat's rue, where this is mentioned in the description.

The crop is of high economic value due to its ability to vegetate 16–24 days earlier than alfalfa and clover, which ensures an early supply of green fodder. The plant is characterized by high leaf retention during haymaking and the ability to grow actively until late autumn, withstanding frosts down to -3...-5°C.

The green mass of Eastern goat's rue contains up to 30% crude protein in dry matter and provides a metabolizable energy level of up to 10.5 MJ/kg. Unlike many legumes, Eastern goat's rue is resistant to stand thinning over decades due to its powerful root system and vegetative regeneration.

When used in fodder production, the crop does not require nitrogen fertilizers due to active nitrogen fixation in symbiosis with nodule bacteria. Because of the high buffering capacity of the green mass, wilting and the application of preservatives are mandatory when ensiling pure stands of goat's rue.

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

Sources8

Varieties of Eastern goat's rue 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.