Green Feed and Pasture for Poultry

Green Feed and Pasturefor Poultry

Fig. 1. Kale is the best winter greeu feed.

Agricultural Experiment StationOregon State Agricultural College

CORVALLIS, OREGON

How. 5. K. VrnaEitroito,Hos. B. E. WILSON, Secretary CorvallisHon. 13. F. Isvigr., Treasurer .._ ......... .._...I'ortlandHon. I. I.. PATTERSON Governor_ .._SalemBox. Star A. Kozes, ecretary of State........................._...Hon. C. A. Ilowaso. Superintendent of Public Instruction.__............_.---..,-- Salemlion. Ggoxos A. PALMIng, Master of State Crange__._._. ....Hood RiverHon. hARRY BA1LEY..._ ,..,....,.._....... Lalceviewflow. Ggo. M. CORNWALl .....

Ott

r.,L1.S _.U.S., A 1L .. ...... Edit

H. P. llarss. AR.. S.M..................._... ..._.....Plant PathologistP. a BAILEY, M.S...Asst. Pathologist, Inseclicide and Fungicide lJd., U. S. Dept. of Agri.\V. H. Bettigs. M.A ...........__._.._..._.__Assistant Agricultural EconomistR. S. flesvr, M.S......... ..._............_... ......Associate in Farm ManagementP. M. BRANOT, 115., A.M..... _._........................_................._...._. ............Dairy HuslsandmanP. Bicigiii.sv. M.S &ssistant Pathologist, U. S. Dept. of Ag,'.A. C. I3000IJET, U.S __..... ........HorticulLurist (Vegetable Garilening)E. N. IIUISSMAN, M.S..._........,.._.._... ____._Associate AgronomistC. C. BROWN, 14.5 ._..__.......Horiiculturist, Hood River Br. Exp. Station, flood ItiverW. S. Bsoww, AU., M S Horticulturist in ChargeI). B. Bunrns, B.S .._...._................ ...... . ChemistA. S. Jltuigiag. M.S ._........ Assistant in Farm MaitaRementLr.itoy CalLus, A.B......_ Supt flood River Branch Eap, Station, Hood lZ,vcrC. V. Copson. M.S.........H. K. DnN, U.S......................._ ....._._Supt. Umatilla Branch Eap. Station, HermistonC. N. DorinAg, M.S., ThV.M....._........._ ...Assistant VeterinarianE. M. flicx,xson, D.V.M,................_................. ...._ ...Assiatatit Poultry PathologistW. H. Datcesew, Ph.D..___.................,............. ......... ....Associate Agricultural EconomistT. P. DncsTRA, M............,........_..... Assistant Plant Pathologist, U. S. Dept. of Açri.H. M. EDWARDS, B.S...................At Animal Hushandman, East Orc. Br. Exp. Sta., UnionA. B. Enonaa'r:orc, ]LS.......,.._,...........- ...._Supt. John Jacob Astor Br. Eats. Station, AstoriaL. N. G0000ino, BA., B.S.........._..................._..Jr. Plant Pathologist, U. S. Dept. oC Agri.W. V. Hr.vp.sszmt, Ph.D...._...._...__...._._...._._.......Associate Bacteriologist5. P. HAAG. Ph.D , .._...,_.,,. ..ChemistH. NARTMAN, MS......_.,......................._.,,_,Associate Horticulturist (PoinologyB. M. HARVEY, Ph.D.........__.._. Horticulturist (PhysiologyI). P. hun, M.5 ... ......_........_..,. -_.. ....._...._..Assistant AgronomistBERthA C. RITE. ILA.._Scientific Assistant Seed Lab., 13. S. Dept. of Agri. (Seed Analyst)R. B. IIurcmtINsox, B.S.........Asst. to Supt. of Harney Valley Branch Exp. Station, BurnsC. N. HYSLOP, B.S......... ........ - ..........__.AgronomistW; T. 30541(50w, U.S., D.V.M................... ._.....,,._..Pouttry Pathologist1. N. Jonas. Ph.D....,,,.. ....... ...._....Associatc Dairy flusl,andman5. S. Jowes, M.S......_..._.._ ......,_.,.._..__._.______.__.__,.--_-.,...ChemistC. W. Kacug, M.S._....._..._........,...,,........... _...._..__.Agricultural EngineerF. 1.. KNOWLTON, 1I.S.................._.......................-................... ............Poultry HushandmanC. \V. KUIILMAN, M.S............_,,............._....... ...Assistant in Farm ManagementA. C. Lugn, 15.8 ......,. Poultry Husbandman in ChargeA. M. McCaees, D.V M _..._.._._,._....___..._....,_.Assistnnt VeterinarianM. B. McKAY, MS.......................... ,..........._.... ...,._._Plant PathologistJ. F. MARTIN, B.S....._.............._........ ,,,..,..juoior AgronomistC. A. MITcHELL, B.S...._ .Asst. to Supt. ot Shennan County Branch Eap. Station, MoroE. 'B. MtTIZLMAN. PII.D..._....._. .._, .........._....._Associate Agricultural EconomistDow C. MOTE, MS...... _-.__.-__ EntomologistM. N. NeLSON Ph 11 Agricultural Economist0. M. NELSoN. U.S -......._- ..,Animal HusbanilmanIt. IC. Noanis, U.S.......Assistant to Supt. of Southern Oregon Branch Exp. Station, TalentW. OLIvER, 11.5....._................._ ............Assistant Animal I{ustsanclinan

L. POTTER, M.S........._..,,.... ..Anin,al Hushandinan\V. L. POWERS, Ph.D.... .._............................._......,..._Chief, Department of SoilsF. C. NEIMan, M.S ._._ Supt. Southern Oregon Br. Exp. Station, TalentU. H. Rosrnrox, A.B., M.S.........._..... ChemistC. V. RUZEK, U.S .... Associate in Soils (Fertility)H. A. Scuont, M.S._..Asst. Agronomist, Forage Crops Investigation, U. S. Dept. of Agri.C. B. Scuuseg, M.S.....,..__......_........................,..........Associate Horticulturist (Pomology)H. I). SCUODER. U.S ... ...._......_....,_. ...._....,,,Chief in Farm ManagementH. B. Sgi.ar, B.S..........__ _....,..,....,.. - ..Associate in Farm ManagementP. ilAucx,M.S,........._..._.........SIIpI. Harney Valley Branch Exp. Station, Burns---------------------- -. .Assistant Veterinarian

..................,.... ...... Assistant Bacteriologist- _Veterinarian......Laboratory Technician, Poultry Patholny.................._. Supt. Sherman County Br. Exp. Station, MoroAssociate Soils Specialist

.................................- ...............Assistant Entomologist...........................................Assistant in Soils (Soil Survey)..._...Asst. Agronomist. Eastern Ore. Branch Exp. Station, Union

_Asststant Chemist............................._..Horticulturist (Horticultural Products)

Assistant in Entomology_ Uome Economist

...........................Supt. Eastern Ore. Branch Eap. Station, Union

H. T. Sins, D.V.MV. E. Snitmi___...._ _.P. B. STEPHENs, U.SN. E. STEPIrENSON, Ph.D..H. G. THOMPSON, M.S.......B. F. Toiror.gson, B.S..._A. WALKER, U.SC. F. WHITAKER, U.S ,B. H.. WircMxo, fl.S.....-Jossrmm WILcOX, U.SM*uo \Viasox, B.SPoar. Wirsiycoi.rne, ItS

REGENTS OF OREGON STATE AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE

HON. E. 13. ALDNICH PendletonHON. JEFFERSON ..PortlandHON. J. F. YATE .CorvallisHON. H. J. ELLI Perrydale

STAFF OF AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATIONW. J. KERR, ntJ. T. JARDIN orE. T. REED, or

crop work at thewith the Office ofof Agriculture andand the Oregon S

3

Green Feed and Pasture for PoultryBy

H. A. ScIsoTil,

Associate Agrononiist, Forage Crops, United StatesDepartment of Agriculture1

INTRODUCTIONThe object of this publication is to bring briefly to the attention of

poultrymen the better methods of producing green feed and pasture, thecrops best to use, and how to practice economical utilization of suchcrops.

The poultry business is becoming more specialized and competitive.Green feed for poultry is in many cases not available on the market.Transportation and cost usually require that it be produced, near whereit is to be fed. Because of its necessity and value to the flocks, andbecause of high land valuation in many cases, an intensive system ofcropping is necessary to produce a maximum of green feed on a mini-mum of land.

It is very important that a continuous supply of green feed be pro.vided. To do this a definite cropping system must be arranged and insome sections root storage facilities provided. Systems of providing thisfeed are herein presented as suggestions for the various sections wherepoultry is important. There are many plants well adapted for greenfeed that will grow under a wide range of conditions. There are but fewsections where some kind of fresh feed cannot be grown for at least jartof the year and in practically all of them roots can be grown and storedto provide winter succulents.

If maximum results are to be obtained, green feed crops should begrown in a regular rotation. Liberal manuring or fertilization of theland usually assures better and larger yields. Where the crop is grownon land used as yards, the poultry manure may add to the parasite anddisease problem and therefore should not be used. Other manure orcommercial fertilizers should be used instead. Green feed to be economi-cal must produce heavy yields since production and harvest methods ofthese succulent crops, on a poultry ranch scale, cannot otherwise com-pete with mass production of larger farms.

Often the green feed is grown in part on vacant yards that are beingcleaned up by cropping them.

LOCATION OF PLANTINGSAreas for production of green feed for poultry should be as con-

venient as possible to the place of utilization. This is especially true1Forage Oregon Agricultural Experiment Station is conducted in

cooperation Forage Crops, Bureau of Plant Industry, United StatesDepartment credit is hereby acknowledged as jointly due to the abovenamed offic tation.

where crops are to be harvested each day or two in small quantities andby hand methods. If crops are grown for storage the location of theheld is of minor importance because harvesting is usualiy done at onetime and the transportation problem is small. Fields to be pasturedshould be close to houses or pens if they are to be utilized to the bestadvantage. Some fields are also pastured after crop is removed. Thisallows of more thorough utilization, saves labor, and serves as exercise

To maintain the necessary continuous supp1v of fresh green feed itis necessary to grow a number of plants. Grasses, cereals, legumes,crucifers, and roots are used successfully in different pafts of Oregon.The majority of these crops are annuals. Several biennials and peren-nials are also included. Many are suited to a wide range of growing con-ditions. It is therefore comparatively easy to grow a succession thatwill furnish a continuous supply of fresh feed in many parts of the

Grainsbarley, oats, wheat, and rye. Winter grainsfor this purpose. The special value of these grains iscan be grown on practically any kind of land with rin almost any section of the state. Seed-bed prepacheap, seed is cheap, the plants arc winter hardy, an

On land in good condition, oats should be sowed at 3 bushand barley, wheat, and rye at 2 bushels an acre. If the us

n drill is not practicable, seedings on small areas are usuallyand harrowed in. In that event from 30 to 50 percent root

4 AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION CIRCULAR 85

ground for short periods.

CROPS FOR POULTRY PASTURE

state.Palatable, nutritious, high-yielding, soil-enriching crops, such as the

legumes, are of special value. Roots are vitally necessary in supplyingsucculence during periods of extreme cold or when it is too wet to per-mit harvesting. Kale is especially valuable for use during late summer,fall, and winter weather where winter temperatures do not fall below13° F. Grains are often cheap and quick producers. Perennial sodformers are particularly useful where permanent sods are desired.

It is not practicable to cover all the conditions here. Directions forthe general culture of several of the crops included in this circular maybe had upon request to Oregon State Agricultural College. Specialproblems will be given attention if they are presented to the ExperimentStation.

GROWING CROPS FOR POULTRY PASTUREare usually selectedthat some of themeasonable drainageration is easy andd they supply feed

for long periods in early spring.els an

acre eofagrai broad-cast e seedshould be used. Seedings should be made in the early fall.

Fall-sown barley is ready for spring use first, followed by rye, oats,and wheat. These crops, beginning with barley, are usually ready to cutMarch 20 to April 1. Early cuttings usually produce second crops.Their use may continue until June 1. By seeding a small area of eachgrain a maximum period of production is obtained.

Good varieties of winter grain for this purpose for Western Oregonare 0. A. C. No. 7 barley, gray winter oats, white winter and Jenkin

5GREEN FEED AND PASTURE FOR POULTRY

Club wheat, and winter rye. For Eastern Oregon, winter barley ndoats are often not hardy enough; hence Rosen rye and Hybrid 128 orFortyfold wheat should be sowed.

Spring barley, wheat, and oats may be made use of at times; forinstance, when winter grains are badly damaged by cold or where a short-time pasture crop is practicable between two long-season crops. Goodvarieties to sow in Western Oregon are Hannchen barley, Victory orThree Grain oats, and Huston or Marquis wheat; in Eastern Oregon,Federation wheat, Markton and Three-grain oats, and Trebi barley.

Fall wheat such as Fortyfold, or rye such as Rosen, sowed in Apriloften gives good summer pasture until quite late.

Vetches. Common and Hungarian vetch are well suited for greenfeed. They grow on a wide range of soils and in many localities andsupply a large amount of high protein green feed. Common vetch iswinter hardy in most well drained sections in Western Oregon. Hun-garian vetch is more hardy and is better suited to some sections in thenorth end of the Willamette Valley, to some higher, colder locations,and to some soils a little too wet and sour for Common vetch. For thesour and run-down soil and really cold sections Hairy and Woollypodded vetch are superior. These varieties may be seeded alone orwith any of the small grains. It is preferable to seed with the smallgrains because in combination the vetches grow well, stand up better,the amount of feed is increased and the quality improved. Harvest isalso easier. When seeded alone 80 to 100 pounds of Common or Hun-

Fig. 2. Vetch and oats for early spring green feed.

garian vetch seed an acre should be used. With Hairy vetch 30 to 50pounds are enough. Seeded with grain 60 to 80 pounds of Common orHungarian or 30 to 40 pounds of Hairy vetch with one and one-halfbushels of barley, rye, oats, or wheat are used.


Seed-bed preparation is similar to that for the grains when seededalone. Common and hairy vetch make better combinations with barleyand rye because they are earlier than Hungarian. Hungarian combineswell with oats or wheat.

Vetch or vetch and grain is usually ready for cutting or pasturingApril 15. By using the various kinds of grain and vetch on rich soilsthat hold moisture well, second cuttings may extend this period toJuly 10.

The use of grains alone or in combination with vetch makes possibleearly green feed. Vetch is usually harvested early enough to allow theland to be cultivated and used for other crops such as kale or rape.

Vetch responds to the use of land-plaster and an application of 75pounds an acre is often profitable. It should be applied early in March.Sometimes early spring applications of sulfate of ammonia make largeincreases in yield; this is most likely to take place where the land is notheavily manured.

Kale and cabbage. Kale is highly prized in Western Oregon becauseof its palatability and its high protein and ash content. Thousand-headedkale is the best variety, it makes vigorous growth, is quite winter hardyfor most of Western Oregon and produces a large amount of feed over along period.

Kale grows best on fertile, well drained land. The latter is especial-ly important for winter feed. Kale will winter-kill easily in wet, soggyland.

The plants are usually grown in a bed and transplanted rather deep-ly. Some growers seed direct in the field and thin. This practice is notrecommended where plants are expected to remain in the field duringthe winter bcause the rooting system is shallow, the heavy tops developtoo high and many plants fall over. Deep transplanting, such as 5 to 6inches, makes a deeper rooting system, a lower top development, andthe plants remain more upright and are less injured by cold. Plants areready to set when they have six to seven true leaves. Thorough culti-vation is necessary to keep down weeds and retain moisture.

Kltle may be planted during a fairly long period of the spring. Seed-ing in late March or early April or transplanting in late April usuallyproduces a growth which may be used as summer feed. Because of thetendency of early kale to be strong and to go to seed, however, it isprobable that summer cabbage is better in many cases.

From the standpoint of yield of fall and winter green feed, latespring or early summer transplantings of kale made from June 1 toJuly 1 are in most cases more satisfactory. These plants usually escaperoot-maggot injury and do not go to seed until the following spring.When planted at this time the land must be in excellent tilth and haveample summer moisture available to start and keep the plants growing.

Kale is quite winter hardy and when temperatures do not go below13° F. there is usually little injury on well drained land. Below thatall except the hardiest plants may be badly damaged unless they arecovered with snow.

some sectionssome cases beliflower are Cofeeding purpo

Rape is not generally recommended but in sonic casesIt is a summer crop probably better suited to growinging birds, because of the greenish yolk color produced.f fed on rape should be started on it gradually to mmof making the yolks off color.

early May on a well prepared seed-occupy- the land all summer arid be

Clover is often started by sowingable for use the following year.

Clover. The use of clover as poultry green feed is in the intro-ductory stage. It is valuable where ample land is available and a short-lived perennial sod is desired. It often makes a heavy and sustainedsummer growth. Where frequently cut it is very tender and palatable.More mature clover is perhaps not consumed quite so readily as someother crops but makes a feed of high quality. Alsike is better on somesoils too sour and wet for red clover. Some use may be made of alsikeclover, but it is short lived and does not recover from cutting as well asred clover. \Vherc a winter grain crop is grown these clovers may besowed in it in early spring and if ample moisture is available good standsmay be obtained. This is especially true when the grain is cut for greenfeed. Seedings may be made alone or with rape on a well preparedseed-bed in April or May. This is the surest way to get a stand. Afine, firm seed-bed must be provided. The first year red clover usuallyprovides only.a small amount of fced. Beginning with the second year,large amounts of feed arc obtained either as cut or pastured material. Agood stand should last two years after seeding. Twelve pounds of seedof red clover should be used.

GREEN FEED AND PASTURE FOR POULTRY 7

It takes about 5,QO0 kale plants for an acre when set 36 inches eachway. One pound of good seed will produce enough strong plants foran acre.

In cabbage offers a possibility for green feed andmay in stored for winter feed. Where cabbage, broccoli,and cau mmercial crops, the waste foliage may be used forpoultry ses.

Rape. maybe useful, stockthan to lay Lay-ing stock i imizethe danger

Two varieties of rape, Dwarf Essex and Victoria, are most common-ly grown for poultry green feed.

Rape is usually considered as a catch crop, occupying the land forshort periods or at times when it is desired to have a crop on the landbetween two more regular season crops.

Rape may be seeded any time from April 15 until June 20 that a rea-sonably fine seed-bed can be made. It makes rapid growth if sufficientin isture is available to start it. Once started, the plants will endureconsiderable dry weather.

On land that has been used for growing a small grain or small grainand vetch combination and has had the crop removed early, a good cropof rape can often be grown if seeded late in June or early in July.

Seedings are sometimes made inbed with the idea that the crop is toused for green feed during that timeit with the rape. The clover is avail

Rape should be seeded at the rate of 5 pounds an acre alone or with10 to 12 pounds of red clover.

promising perennial poultry green feed and pasture crops for WesternOregon. It is durable, palatable, nutritious, and yields well. It issomething of a sod former and affords soil protection. It starts earlyand grows late where plenty of moisture is available. It is especiallysuited to irrigated soils too shallow or a little too sour for alfalfa. It isshallow rooted and dries up on unirrigated land during late June or July.

y sowed alone on a firm, fine seed-bed into 5 pounds of seed an acre are usually used.ses. A good mixture is 5 pounds rye-grass,orchard-grass, and 2 pounds Ladino clover.

s in both Eastern and Western Oregon. A good stand prowill produce an abundance of spring, summer, and earlyfor poultry for from three to seven or more years after sfeed is of high quality and poultry consume it very rca

and of reasonably good fertility. Sour soil should be liberally limed.It should be rolled and thoroughly cultivated several times before seed-ing to make sure that the seed-bed is fine, firm, and free from weeds.Seventy-five pounds of land-plaster put on the field in March or earlyApril helps to make good stands. Seedings should be made alone unlessirrigation is possible. When seeded alone the seedings are made inMay or early June using 12 to 15 pounds of seed an acre. It is best to

alfalfa has not bees. If sowed on richough growth the fibe obtained. It is

first year because th weakens the plants. It is bet-ts well established. n application of 125 pounds ofpounds of sulfur in he early spring will stimulatetions of Oregon and suIt in a large increase in green


The New Giant Italian White or Ladino clover is one of the most

Ladino clover is usuallApril, May, or June. ThreeIt is often sowed with gras3 pounds timothy, 3 pounds

Common white or Little 1)utch clover may be used as a constituentof a permanent sod mixture, but seeded alone it has little value. Theamount of green feed produced is usually low. It is primarily a pastureclover.

Thin stands of clover may often be thickened successfully by sow-ing in rye-grass seed in the early fall. Common domestic rye-grass isbest for short time use while English rye-grass is better adapted for alonger time sod.

An application of 75 pounds of land-plaster an acre increases theyield of clovers materially. Apply early in March.

Alfalfa. The use of alfalfa as a green feed for poultry shows greatpossibilitie per-ly handled fallgreen feed eed-ing. The dilyeither cut or pastured.

Land suitable for alfalfa must be well drained, deep, mellow, sweet,

sow certified Grimm alfalfa.It is necessary to inoculate the seed or the land on which it is to be

grown if n growing successfully on it within the pasttwo year land or if the crop is irrigated it will usuallymake en rst season so that in early fall some greenfeed can not advisable under any condition to cut thecrop too early the atter to get the plan Aland-plaster or 35 tgrowth in most sec refeed.

Alfalfa responds very readily to irrigation. Where water for thispurpose is available cheaply enough it pays to irrigate.

Alfalfa is so valuable as a summer green feed that poultrymen areoften justified in an unusual expense to make it grow successfully.

C'GREEN FEED AND PASTURE FOR POULTRY

Fig. 3. Alfalfa green feed convenient to the yards.

Heavy liming or the expense incident to summer irrigation is frequentlyquite worth while.

Dry alfalfa leaves and blossoms are highly prized as a substitute forgreen feed.

Root crops. Roots fill an important place in the fresh feed programof poultry and are especially valuable for winter use when other succu-lent feed is not available.

Fig. 4. Root crops for fresh feed during freezing weather.


Those of most general value for poultry in both Eastern and West-ern Oregon are mangels and carrots. Turnips and rutabagas are of littlevalue except in the Coast section, because they are especially susceptibleto root-maggot attack. Their production is limited to the cooi, moistCoast section and certain high elevation areas in the North WillametteValley where late planting avoids the root maggots and there is stillmoisture enough to grow the crop.

Mangels and carrots are grown primarily for the roots. The topsof mangels have some value but those of carrots little value for poultryfeed.

These roots require a fine, firm, well fertilized seed-bed as free fromweeds as possible before seeding is done. Seedings are made with a gar-den drill early in May. Rows are spaced at 18 to 36 inches apart de-pending on how they are to be cultivated. Eight to 10 pounds of mangelseed and 3 pounds of carrot seed are required for an acre. Mangels arethinned, after the seedlings have their fourth permanent leaf, to singlestrong plants 10 to 12 inches apart. Carrots are sometimes thinned to4 to 6 inches apart but they are usually not thinned. Several cultivationsshould be given during the growing season.

The highest yielding varieties of mangels in many sections are Prize-winner, Giant Half Sugar, Giant Intermediate, Heavy Cropper, DanishSludstup, and Mammoth Long Red. Poultry consume all these varietiesequally well. The orange fleshed varieties of carrots are considered bet-ter than those with white flesh for poultry. Chantenay and YellowGiant are good yielders in all sections of the state and have high quality.Mangels generally outyieid carrots except in Eastern Oregon in yearsof serious leaf-hopper infection.

These roots grow well under irrigation. Mangels produce goodyields under rather dry conditions if proper cultivation is given.

Mangels and carrots should be pulled for storage before heavyfrosts. While these roots can stand considerable freezing without ap-preciable injury, any damage done by freezing reduces their ability tostand up in storage. After pulling, the tops should be twisted or cutoff, injuring the root as little as possible. The roots should be left inthe field to dry before storing. This allows the earth to dry out anddrop off and the root gets cooled out before storing. It is best to storethem on a slatted floor allowing ventilation up through the pile. Storageconditions for potatoes are excellent for these roots. They should bekept in a cool, dry, dark place and have ventilation while in storage.When properly handled they will remain in good condition until latespring.

Grass seedings. Grasses from the poultry-pasture standpoint haveto do mainly with their use as sod in yards and runs and should beperennials that can grow under rather adverse conditions. A mixture ofgrasses usually produces better sod and more material for poultry thanseedings of one kind. For sections where ample moisture is availablefor grass during most of the year a mixture of English rye-grass, 10pounds, orchard-grass, 3 pounds, Kentucky blue-grass, 5 pounds, redtop3 pounds, and I.adino clover, 2 pounds, makes a quick covering of theground and a heavy sod. Seeding should be done in the early fall orearly spring on a well prepared, firm seed-bed. The seed is broadcast

When cut and fed it is bestand succulent. Where cut earlways produced and the feedingis produced is Lengthened.


and harrowed or raked in lightly. Poultry should be kept off during thewinter, spring, and early summer of the first year, thus giving the plantstime to get well rooted. As the stands get thin, reseeding each fall witha small amount of new seed will help maintain and lengthen its life. Itis good practice to keep poultry off these grass areas during very wetweather as tramping and scratching at that time do much injury.

In dry sections there are few grasses that will be very successful.for long periods. Tall oat grass, orchard grass, and Chewing's fescue aregood dry.land grasses but are not as productive of feed as spring.sowedfall grains, corn, or thin stands of alfalfa which are given cultivation.Under Eastern and Western Oregon dry conditions seedings of varietieswith cheap seed such as rye-grass can be made each fall and considerablegreen material will be available during the spring and early summer ofthe following year. Seedings should be at the rate of 25 to 30 pounds anacre.

HARVEST METHODS: PREPARATION FOR FEEDINGPoultry will consume most readily the young succulent growth.

When allowed to select their own green material they usually choosethe newer growths because they are tender, in smaller sections, andfresher. When material is harvested for fresh feed it should be cut eachday so that it will be as nearly fresh as possible when fed.

Grains and vetch grown alone or in combination may be cut but areoften pastured off. Close pasturing of these crops must be avoided untilthe crops are well started. The poultry is allowed to spend an hour ortwo in the planting each day when the crops are young. As the plantsget older the poultry may be left there longer. This reduces the tenden-cy to produce yolks of off color. If the growth is especially abundantthe poultry may be left on the pasture continuously. Where large flocksare to obtain green feed from small areas the pasture should be dividedand alternate or rotation pasturing practiced. This gives the plants op-portunity to increase growth and more feed is produced. These cropsshould not be eaten down so closely that rapid subsequent growth willnot take place.

to begin when the plants are still tendery, good second crops are practically al-period during which very succulent feed

These crops provide good succession of feed, barley being readyfirst, followed by rye, wheat, oats, and vetch.

Where vetch is seeded with these grains it increases both the quan-tity and quality of the feed.

These crops when harvested to be fed are often cut with a feedcutter so that better utilization is made of them. The pieces should besmall, not more; than one-fourth inch long. This green material shouldnever be allowed to remain long in a pile as it soon heats and is not sogood.

Kale is sometimes pastured off. More often, however, it is harvestedand taken to the poultry. When plants have made large growth they are


often stripped by taking off the larger lower leaves. They are eitherrun through a cutter or tied into bunches for the birds to pick. Manypoultryrnen, beginning with early fall, cut off the plants and either runthe softer parts through a cutter or hang the plant up and allow thebirds to pick off the leaves and tender stems.

Rape is practically always pastured off. Occasionally where thegrowth is large, leaves are picked. By careful pasturing and alternateuse of small areas increased feed is obtained since rape, if not eaten downtoo heavily, recuperates very rapidly.

Fig. 5. Rape is a good poultry yard crop.

Clover of the larger growing varieties such as red and alsike iseither pastured or harvested and fed. When harvested it is run througha cutter or tied in bunches to be picked. The season for clover, especial-ly red, is long and after it is eaten or cut off it comes back quickly andmakes successive crops. Clover responds to irrigation readily. Alsikemakes much less feed than red and often lasts but one year whereas redis usually good for at least two years. Ladino clover is good for bothcutting and pasturing and is long lived. White clover is only good forpasture as it seldom gets large enough to harvest profitably.

Alfalfa is either pastured or mowed and run through a cutter beforefeeding. Continuous early cutting of alfalfa shortens the life of thestand. The best stage for cutting from the standpoint of the life of thestand is from the beginning of blooming period to full bloom. Feeddemands often require earlier cutting. If cut early and often the lengthof life is decidedly shortened. Pasturing continually has somewhatsimilar effects. Rotation pasturing or cutting is recommended. Byrotating the early and late cut portions of the field, vigor and life ofthe stand may be maintained, and the plants are injured but little. On

Winter barley, ryt,wheat, oata ._..... Septe

Vetch or grain andvetch .Septe

Allalfa, establi&hed MayKale, Thousand I-Ieaded_._AprilRoots, mangels, carrots .May

I to October 15......._.

I to October15June transplant_.._..

10


the pastured areas it is advisable to cut any remaining growth at thebloom stage so as to clean up the patch and induce production of a newcrop.

Roots are used for winter green or succulent feed and taken fromstorage as necessary. Roots are often split and checked with a knife,in order to induce poultry to eat them. To hold roots stationary forpicking they are often nailed to blocks of wood or to the wall. Theyshould be fed in a clean place.

Grass is usually used for making a sod, and any green feed obtainedfrom it is in the form of pasture. It is seldom practicable to harvest andchop it or tie it in bundles in the pens because the quality at the timeit is large enough for this is poor and only a small amount is consumed.

Field and sweet corn may have considerable use as a green feed inmid to late summer, if early and late varieties are used, and with a seriesof plantings it may be available from mid August until frost. Any cornnot used will make good grain if early ripening varieties are chosen.The flint varieties are often early and leafy, while Minnesota No. 13 atdifferent planting dates provides later feed. Chopped green corn makesgood green feed until the grain reaches the roasting-ear stage.

Lettuce, cabbage, and curly kale are often available for poultry feed.These are very good feed if fresh and clean, but it is not generally ad-visable to grow them for that purpose exclusively because the amount offeed produced is too small and the crop is often too expensive anddifficult to grow. Lawn clippings are often used. If fresh and short,large amounts are consumed. Chicken lettuce, a non-heading, tall-grow-ing plant resembling lettuce in leaf appearance, produces large amountsof feed on rich land and is being used to some extent.

POULTRY GREEN FEED CROP SUCCESSIONTo maintain a supply of green feed for poultry throughout the year

a rather definite system of crop rotation must be followed so as toutilize the land fully and be reasonably certain that green feed will beon hand at all times. Much depends on the location and climate.

The following crop successions rre practical under the conditionsmentioned and during ordinary years supply continuously large amountsof good feed.

TABLE I. WILLAMETTE VALLEY WELL DRAINED LANDS,USING ALFALFA

Crop Time seeded Time usable

Small grains.

mber ...March 15 to June 15

mber ..April 1 to July 11 to April 15 to October 1

seed, ....October 1 to March 11 to _October 15 to May 1

Spring oats and fieldpeas (Blue Prussian) -

Kale, Thousand lleadcd_Japanese barnyard mulctRoots; toangels. carrots_Grass mixed with Ladino

Spring plantedfall wheat °r rye

Alfalfa in cultivatedCornRopts. mamigets ........

Vetch or vetch and ror oats _.. I to October 15

Ladino clover establi May 15Kate June transplant

0 ---------


TABLE II. W1LLAMETTE VALLEY HEAVY LANDS WITH SOME SUMMERIRRIGATION

Time seeded Time usable

Small grains as barleyor rye September 1 to October 15 -------March 15 to June 15

yeSeptember April 1 to July 1

shed_April 15 to April 15 to October 15April seed, October 1 to March 1May I to 1 October 15 to May 1

TABLE III. WILLAMETTE VALLEY WELL DRAINED LANDS NOTIRRIGATED


Small grains as barleyor rye September 1 to October 15_-------March 15 to June 15

Vetch or vetch and ryeor oats September 1 to October 15 April 1 to July 1

Red clover established -----_February to June April 15 to August 15Corn May 1 to 10 August 15 to October 1Rape or summer cabbage._ April to June August 1 to October 1Kale April seed, June transplant October 1 to March 1Roots May 1 to 10 October 15 to May 1

TABLE IV. COAST SECTION


Small grain, winter rye,Oats -- -----------September 15 to October 15_-------April 15 to June 15

Vetch or grain and vetch.September 15 to October 15 -------April 15 to July 1

April 1 to 15April seed, June 1 transplant.May 15 to June 15

_May 15 to June 1or white clover October 1

-- March 1 to 15rows_Aprl 1 to May 1

April 15 to May 10April 15

May 15 to July 20July 15 to March 1July 15 to October 1October 15 to April 15January 1 to December 31

TABLE V. IRRIGATED SECTIONS, EASTERN OREGON


Winter wheat or rye October 1 May 1 to June 15Alfalfa May 1 to June 1 May 15 to October 1Ladino clover May 1 to June 1 May 1 to October 1Red clover - May 1 to June 1 May 15 to October 1Roots, mangels, carrots May 1 to 15 September 15 to May 15

TABLE VI. UNIRRIGATED SECTIONS, EASTERN OREGON


Winter grain, wheat, rye_September 1 to October 1 April 15 to June 15Spritig grain, wheat, oats,

barley March 1 to April 1 May 15 to July 10

Pasture June to October 1May 1 to September 1August 15 to September15September 15 to May 1

Winter grain, barley.rye, wheat, oats 15 to October 15... March 1 to June 1

\Tetch or vetch and grain...Septembcr 15 to October 15 ..March IS to June 15Altalla .. April 15 to May 15 __...April 1 to October 15Red clover .. .Fehruai-y to May April 15 to July 15Lad,no clover April 1 to May 1 _ ...........April I to October 15Corn 20 to May 10 .,. August IS to October 1Kale .... _April seed, June transplant ...October 15 to March 1Rape ....- _....April 15 toJunel ,...._..... ._.Junc 1 to September IRoots. mangeis, carrotsMay I to 10 ....... October 15 to April 15Grass ......Septenuber 15 to October 15 January 1 to December 31

A crop rotation system should alsosanitation and increased crop yields

land to be plowed as it covers it anditivated crops usually make best useo henelit proportionately.

The amount of green feed prtions is so variable that anyunt will vary according to soil,arvesting, and variety used.Calculated on the is and considering the gen

an early stage before m weight is obtained, thethat can be grown for green feed under ordinaryconditions may be exp yield somewhat as here in

Winter barley -__.-, --Wrnter oatsWinter wheatWinter ryeVetchVetch and grainKale

15

ndustrv is conducted on land so highafford to use much of it for the pro-

ctions the land will grow only such aIc to try to grow a year-round supply.

The individualcrops he will growhe has to deal withfully utilized, goodcontinual supply of

teronCuals

braamoof h

acre basmaximupOultry

ected to

GREEN FEED AND PASTURE FOR POULTRY

TABLE VII. SOUTHERN OREGON IRRIGATED

poultryman will necessarily have to decide whatbecause of the soil, moisture and climatic conditions

Any plan followed should be such that the land beuse made of manure produced by the poultry, and afresh feed produced for the flock.

be followed for purposes of bet-It is advisable to use manure

the decay is beneath the surface.of manure. Crops that follow

oduced by various crops in differentestimate might be misleading. Theclimatic conditions, time and manner

eral harvest atvarious cropsgood farming

dicated.

GREEN FEED SUBSTITUTESIn some sections the poultry i

priced that the poultryman cannotduction of green feed. In other sesmall amount that it is not profitab

Under these conditions it is necessary to substitute materials thatwhen consumed by poultry will answer the purpose and be practicallyas beneficial as fresh green feed.

Average yield green materialCrop ,n tons an acre5.007.007.006.009.009.00

20.006.00Clover 10.00Alfalfa 15.00Mangels 20.00Carrots 12.00Grass (mixture) 3.00 to 8.00


supply of good green feed. If thc land is suitable for alfalfa as well asother crops this can be reduced to one and one-half acres. If the abovecrops cannot be grown satisfactorily it might be necessary to devote asmuch as five acres to production of crops. The poultryman will be thefinal judge in this matter and alter the first year or two lie should beable to gauge very closely how much land is necessary and how the


The best substitutes are alfalfa and clover hay. These kinds of hayshould be sweet, green in color, well cured, and leafy. The second andthird cuttings of alfalfa are best as the proportion of leaf to stern isusually larger and it is in the leafy part of the plant that most of theproteins and vitamins are carried.

This hay may be chopped in one-fourth to one-half inch lengths andfed from screened hoppers, or it may be fed in racks, unchopped. It mayalso be tied in bundles and .suspended within easy reach of the birds.

Ground alfalfa fed either wet or dry is of doubtful value because theproduct is often made of inferior stock and is sometimes very dusty.

Alfalfa and clover hay are not expected to replace fresh green feeds.During times when green feeds are not available or in sections wherethey cannot be grown profitably these substitutes can be used for a partof the year at least, with good success.

AMOUNTS OF GREEN FEED FOR POULTRYPoultry gathering their green feed as pasture are usually allowed to

remain on the field throughout the day. It is usually considered thatfowls, especially chickens, will consume all the green feed desired in oneday in less than an hour if ample supplies are available. This is usuallydone early in the morning. During the remainder of the day only smallamounts are consumed.

Some poultrymen allow the flock to remain on pasture for about twohours each morning if weather is suitable and then put them in otherquarters. This is desirable where range is small as it economizes on thefeed and prevents loss from scratching and tramping. Where large areasare available it is not so necessary to conserve the feed supply.

Poultrymen with large flocks and comparatively small areas for pro-duction of green feed practice indoor feeding to a large extent. Thematerial is harvested each day and enough is obtained to provide thefowls with ample supplies throughout the day either as cut material orin bunches hung up.

It is estimated that 100 healthy hens will consume from 12 to 15pounds of green feed each day if they have had green feed in amplesupply continually. Some kinds of green feed are consumed more readi-ly than others. Alfalfa is especially relished. Kale and rape followclosely, with vetch, grains, clover, and roots, of value in the ordernamed when considered from desirability as to amounts consumed.

In some places difficulty has been experienced with traces of greendeveloping in the yolks of eggs when fowls were allowed to eat too muchgreen feed. This difficulty has not become troublesome in this state.Allowing poultry to become accustomed to new green feed by limitedfeeding or pasturing at the beginning of the harvest period is recom-mended as a preventive of this trouble.

Figured on the basis of one thousand chickens and ordinarily goodland capable of growing kale, rape, grains, vetch, grass, and roots, twoacres well handled and cropped to capacity, should furnish a year-round

cropping system may be fitted into his rotation of yards.

Documents

Green Feed and Pasture for Poultry