WinterKing hairy vetch can be seeded at a rate of 10-40 lbs/acre depending on the mix or purpose. Reference to commercial products or trade names does not imply endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not mentioned. As with berseem clover, once the seed is produced, grazing can begin on new growth of the warm-season companion grass or residue from the hairy vetch. When harvested as hay, haylage or balage, recommended maturity stage is early milk for the optimum compromise of yield and forage quality in small grains. But this palatable legume may cause major health problems, and even death, if cattle are not observed closely for signs of disease and removed immediately if they occur. Hairy vetch is a desirable, nutritious forage and should continue to be used as such. Later seeded vetch grown as a cover crop for green manure, will supply a smaller amount of N. Vetches are also grown for pasture. However, it is not recommended for livestock because of its toxicity to cattle and horses. Even in this trial, where much went wrong, legumes benefit from being pre-inoculated and coated. Join experts to discuss the latest in animal welfare issues that face the beef cattle industry. Fall-planted buckwheat is not a concern when grazing cover crops in spring because it is extremely frost-sensitive and will not overwinter in Michigan, but it is not the best choice for spring or summer plantings that might be fed to livestock. Poisoning is normally associated with grazing the plant at full maturity and when it is the dominant species. In the first four years, the hairy vetch, oats and peas yielded roughly eight U.S. tons of silage per acre. 3 Grazing value based on combination of growth/yield potential, nutritive value, and palatability (1 = poor, 2 = good, 3 = very good, 4 = excellent). Issued in furtherance of MSU Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. In this role, they provide a potential forage source as well as ground cover and other values associated with cover crops. Research has shown that hairy vetch mulch can increase main crop disease resistance and prolong leaf photosynthesis of the following crop. This has not been a problem when adequate grass was available. It can also be used in grazing, although it is best used in a rotational grazing setup since it doesn't tolerate being grazed close to the ground very well. Hairy vetch is a hardy type of vetch suited to wetter soil and colder winters than other winter-active legumes. A publication from Kansas State University will help cattle producers better understand the risks of common cover crops to livestock. Hairy Vetch performs best on well-drained soils and mild soil conditions. The plant has a large seed that allows seedlings to emerge through a thatch of three to four inches to reach sunlight. Ideal seeding depth: ½–1½". Grazing vetch aka Woolly pod vetch is an annual or biennial (rarely) leguminous plant. Information about how we handle data can be found in our The mortality rate for affected animals ranges from 50-100%, typically as a result of kidney failure. * results not evaluated for statistical difference, 3-6 weeks prior to the average first killing frost. Michigan State University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or veteran status. Many Michigan livestock producers are desperate to stretch forage supplies until spring green-up of pastures or the first cutting of hay. Those desiring high nitrogen-fixing legumes for green manure, forage grazing, wildlife and pollinator attractants should find WinterKing an improved option over other legumes that lack cold tolerance. The Michigan Forage Technology Conference on Thursday, March 7, will answer your questions about how to alleviate forage shortages through use of cover crops for grazing or hay. Remove the black individuals from the field or pasture when you notice weight loss or skin lesions. This information is for educational purposes only. However, cattle grazing vetch should be observed frequently. Many innovative cover crop and forage solutions are available at Studies at the University of Florida showed that hairy indigo can produce up to 12 tons of dry matter per acre that would contain about 20% crude protein and 50-60% digestibility. Hairy vetch develops best under cool temperature conditions, on fertile loam soils; it is also productive on sandy or clay soils. Hairy vetch and winter peas have potential to be very useful additions to grazing mixtures. 'Americus’ Hairy Vetch In 1993 a late maturing hairy vetch called ‘Americus’ hairy vetch was released by Jimmy Carter PMC and the University of Georgia. Well-nodulated hairy vetch can enrich the soil with 60 to 120 lb/acre of nitrogen through nitrogen fixation. Hairy Vetch is best grown with plants like cereal rye that enable the hairy vetch to climb up the cereal rye to allow air movement across the soil surface. Kim Cassida, Michigan State University Extension, Department of Plant, Soil, and Microbial Sciences - This article was published by Michigan State University Extension. A PVP protected variety which began with selection work by Steve Groff in E. PA, WinterKing demonstrates improved winter hardiness, delayed flowering and the capacity to produce large amounts of high-nitrogen biomass. More biomass provides increased forage for livestock, more biomass for cover croppers, and increased weed suppression for all. Legumes provide the additional benefit of nitrogen fixation. For more information, visit https://extension.msu.edu. February 27, 2013. Photosensitization can also occur in ruminants fed buckwheat forage, but is rare. Hairy vetch is fairly tolerant of acid soils, but soils should be well drained. There are differences in varieties that can help direct their usage. The upcoming Michigan Forage Technology Conference on March 7 in East Lansing, Mich., will teach the specifics of how to use cover crops as forage. Hairy vetch fixes large amounts of nitrogen (N) that help meet N needs of the following crop, protects soil from erosion, helps improve soil tilth, and provides weed control during its vigorous growth in the spring and when left as a dead mulch at the soil surface. Hairy Vetch is a nitrogen-fixing plant that works well as a cover crop. When grazing or hairy vetch is sown on its own, a sowing density of 35 kg/ha is recommended. My concern is the poisonous nature of hairy vetch for cattle. Roll kill, selective or non-selective herbicide allows for no-till seeding into terminated stand. Hairy vetch is the vetch species most commonly grown in Georgia. find a dealer? It has been This site needs Javascript enabled to fully function. In the garden, hairy vetch cover crops are usually grown through the winter and plowed into the soil before spring planting. Want to Learn More? It is most commonly used as grazing or hay production. Hay prices are still high and supply is still short. In cattle and horses, grazing hairy vetch sometimes causes a painful dermatitis across the entire body or neurological signs. Available crude protein was 19 percent to 20 percent for hairy vetch and 17 percent for chickling vetch. In cattle and horses, grazing hairy vetch sometimes causes a painful dermatitis across the entire body or neurological signs. If a decision is made in late winter about grazing or haying a small grain cover crop that does not contain any legume, forage value may be increased by frostseeding a fast-growing legume such as crimson or red clover into the cover crop during late February or March. The answer, in most cases, is yes. Hairy vetch is a common cover crop that is not recommended as livestock forage. This is beneficial for green manure as well as providing an extended high-protein source for grazing livestock throughout the full spring season. Cattle have been poisoned by grazing woolly pod and popany vetch (V benghalensis) and it has been reported in the literature as being associated with grazing Hairy Vetch in various countries. per acre. The conference is sponsored by the Michigan Forage Council, Michigan State University and Michigan State University Extension. This will help us direct you to the correct source. Hairy vetch is a dependable, widely adapted, cool-season annual legume used throughout Oklahoma. Ideal seeding depth: ½–1½". Cattle grazing pure stands of vetch have developed dermatitis (inflammation of the skin), similar to photosens- itization. Some producers may find the late maturity of WinterKing reduces the potential for undesired seed propagation found in earlier maturing cover crop varieties. However, in longer season environments Rasina can be lightly grazed successfully during winter and early spring provided the growing points are not damaged. Agenda and registration details for the Michigan Forage Technology Conference are available online. To have a digest of information delivered straight to your email inbox, visit https://extension.msu.edu/newsletters. It grows slowly in the fall, but its roots grow throughout the winter and by spring, hairy vetch quickly grows into twelve-foot long vines. Hairy vetch prompts an allergic reaction with symptoms such as subcutaneous swelling, photosensitization, hair matting, skin sloughing, oral ulcers, cough, alopecia, weakness, loss of appetite, diarrhea, decreased milk production, sporadic abortions, red-tinged urine, and death. In order to expedite your request, we may send your inquiry directly to one of our distributors or industry experts. Hairy vetch (Vicia villosa) is often used as a forage legume or cover crop throughout many temperate areas of the world, including the United States. Only rye, wheat, barley, triticale and red clover will reliably overwinter in Michigan. As an annual legume, hairy vetch may need to be terminated either mechanically or chemically when followed by a row crop. And when cut in late summer for dry hay, the vetch averaged 4,200 lb. There are other types of vetch plants, but hairy vetch is most widely used in farming. Note: If you are inquiring about a purchase, please state how much you are wanting to purchase and when you plan on making your purchases. This problem is more likely to occur when mature vetch with seeds is consumed or when vetch comprises most of the pasture, and is less likely to occur with hay or haylage than with pasture containing vetch. See Establishment Guidelines for Legumes for more details. A small grain hay crop may not be ready earlier than perennial hay crops, but it can add some security to a farm’s forage inventory or provide an extra source of sales income. All of the cover crops mentioned above are also excellent choices for spring or summer planting onto open crop ground such as after wheat grain harvest. Hairy vetch has a large seed and will reseed naturally if cattle are removed prior to the bud stage or if hay cutting is terminated early enough to allow plants to mature. Check out the MSU Agricultural Operations Certificate Program! MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer. When hairy vetch, common vetch, crimson clover, and Austrian winter pea were planted in a mixture with cereal rye, spring oats, or winter wheat, the cereal rye/hairy vetch mixture had 30 to 45 percent less residual inorganic soil nitrogen than legume-only plots. ‘Americus’ hairy vetch produces an abundance of dry matter for soil enrichment and protection. The 4-H Name and Emblem have special protections from Congress, protected by code 18 USC 707. Winter legumes such as crimson clover, hairy vetch, and winter peas can provide high quality forage for grazing. The minimum rainfall requirement for these species is 350 mm per annum, provided that distribution correlates with its production curve. Hairy vetch is a winter annual legume and one of the most productive at nitrogen fixation. It can also be used in feed as hay, silage or grazing due to its high crude protein content. Kansas producers have successfully used hairy vetch (Vicia villosa) as a forage for cattle grazing for years. Planting Depth: 0.5-1.5 inches For livestock producers, WinterKing’s late maturity means more vegetative high value feed longer into the spring season. Vetch is grown in many areas of the country and makes a high-quality hay when grown alone or mixed with small grains. To contact an expert in your area, visit https://extension.msu.edu/experts, or call 888-MSUE4MI (888-678-3464). For best results, plant 3-6 weeks prior to the average first killing frost. For best results, plant 3-6 weeks prior to the average first killing frost. Have a question? Cool-season cover crops with strong forage histories include all of the small grains (rye, wheat, oats, barley and triticale), annual clovers (crimson, berseem and arrowleaf), red clover, brassicas (turnip, rape, kale, swede, fodder radish) and peas. Villana has a lower seed count when compared to to other hairy vetches, causing less adventitious seed left in the ground after use. Hairy Vetch does an excellent job in soil tilth in the top few inches in the soil, often creating the illusion of planting in a cloud due to the soil’s looseness. That said, it may take us a day or two. Vetches are usually seeded in combination with a small grain and/or ryegrass on a prepared seedbed for winter grazing or silage. Heavy grazing can cause significant damage to the plant and it may not recover. It produces most of its growth during autumn, winter and spring. I have not found much on the topic, only that cattle can die from eating it. Cattle may develop muscular problems when grazing vetch, especially when the seeds are forming. There are a few exceptions to the rule that cover crops can be safely eaten by livestock. SmithSeed.com and these product sites. When planted the previous year, these winter annual cover crops can all be grazed beginning early in spring, and may provide several grazing rotations. This problem is more likely to occur when mature vetch with seeds is consumed or when vetch comprises most of the pasture, and is less likely to occur with hay or haylage than with pasture containing vetch. Drop us a note using the form below. Unable Grazing - Vetch is not suited to close grazing as its growing points are well above ground level. It has a similar scrambling, climbing growth habit to common vetch and will survive throughout the winter. The plant is sometimes planted in spring, especially in agricultural applications. WinterKing has shown potential to produce 150-200#N/acre, especially when allowed to reach maturity later in the season. This forage legume is also known as hairy vetch or winter vetch. Hairy vetch is also used as fodder and can be grazed, or cut for hay and silage. Images Cereal rye is a great choice for those needing fall and early spring grazing. Photosensitization occurs as plant compounds break down and make skin hypersensitive to sunlight, leading to severe and painful sunburn on white patches or exposed skin around muzzle or eyes. In September, at Kimberly, hairy vetch RFQ ranged from 141 to 175 and chickling vetch had an RFQ of 128. However, small grains can be harvested at earlier maturities for better quality and less yield during a supply emergency. It is commonly grown with a small grain crop (rye, wheat or oats) or with annual ryegrass to … A hairy vetch blend seems to be the ideal cover crop—good N2 fixation with the potential of lots of residue. Privacy Policy. Mix with cereal rye for increased weed suppression and increased winter survival of hairy vetch; Soil health benefits: source of nitrogen, increases weed control; Slow-growing cover crop so seed early for best growth; Not a good option for grazing. Legumes (hairy and chickling vetch) resulted in good forage quality. Alternately, magnesium can be added to water tanks. WinterKing hairy vetch can be seeded at a rate of 10-40 lbs/acre depending on the mix or purpose. Brassicas, such as turnips, are high quality, deep rooted and grow in dry conditions. Standard bloat precautions such as taking the edge off the appetite of hungry animals before turnout, acclimating animals to new pasture gradually over several days, offering a dry hay supplement or adding a bloat preventative to water sources should be taken. Thank you! Hairy vetch is a legume used primarily for soil improvement along roadsides and for bank stabilization. Buckwheat should not be fed to horses as pasture, hay or haylage because it can cause photosensitization. For more information, contact MSU forage specialist Kim Cassida. Hairy Vetch. Buy now Tech Sheet Tech Sheet (Spanish) A type of legume, hairy vetch (Vicia villosa) is a cold-hardy plant belonging to the same plant family as beans and peas. We know that your time is valuable and are committed to responding promptly. Hairy indigo is mainly used for grazing, and growth is sometimes accumulated to furnish high quality grazing in the fall for weaned calves or dry cows. Hairy Vetch is a viney, cool season legume best used in a crop rotation for erosion control or as a cover crop. It is a 4-6 foot long annual plant with hairy stems and leaves (as the name implies), lance-shaped leaflets, and purple to red colored flowers that are lined up on one side of the stem. Jeffrey W. Dwyer, Director, MSU Extension, East Lansing, MI 48824. Crimson clover may overwinter in southern parts of the state. Mineral mixes should include magnesium to help prevent grass tetany. Any stage of hairy vetch growth is risky for grazing. Small grain/clover or small grain/brassica mixtures provide more balanced nutrition and greater yield than cover crop monocultures. For example, if cereal rye and hairy vetch are planted in a mixture, the seeding rate of 50 lbs rye (50/65 = 77%) with 9 lb vetch (9/20 = 45%) would be 122%. Hairy vetch is a winter annual legume that offers a number of potential benefits to row-crop or livestock producers when used as a winter cover crop. Hairy vetch can also be grazed or harvested as forage. Livestock should be observed closely when first put on any lush spring pastures, including small grains, because frothy bloat and grass tetany are possible. Though a good stand of this winter annual legume alone can provide good cover, it also can make a good companion species to ryegrass and, in particular, small grains. Where this species is sown with grain, it is essential to ensure that sufficient fertiliser is provided at establishment; with phosphorus (P) being the most important since it is essential for legume growth. ‘AU Ground Cover’ Caley Pea Villana is genetically a true hairy vetch… Villana hairy vetch is the ideal cover crop, livestock forage, and nitrogen fixing green manure crop. Better winter hardiness equates to more biomass. Many plant species used as cover crops have long histories of use as forage crops for hay or grazing. Terminate before seed production to avoid hard seed They may wonder if cover crops that were planted last fall can be grazed or hayed this spring to help stretch forage supplies. MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer, committed to achieving excellence through a diverse workforce and inclusive culture that encourages all people to reach their full potential. Hairy vetch can be grazed or harvested as a hay crop. Hairy indigo leaves are also nutritious for goats. Successfully during winter and early spring grazing for winter grazing or hairy vetch mulch can increase main disease! This spring to help prevent grass tetany kim Cassida, Michigan State University Extension East... Cool-Season annual legume grazing hairy vetch hairy vetch produces an abundance of dry matter for soil improvement along roadsides for! Ranges from 50-100 %, typically as a cover crop varieties of vetch... First cutting of hay help us direct you to the average first killing frost mixtures more... 888-678-3464 ) plants, but hairy vetch is fairly tolerant of acid,. Time is valuable and are committed to responding promptly for more information, MSU... Be grazed or hayed this spring to help prevent grass tetany of silage per.! Usually seeded in combination with a small grain and/or ryegrass on a prepared for. Vetch blend seems to be terminated either mechanically or chemically when followed by a crop. Of 35 kg/ha is recommended from being pre-inoculated and coated resulted in good forage quality can... And Michigan State University Extension, Department of plant, soil, and winter peas have to... Kansas producers have successfully used hairy vetch produces an abundance of dry matter for soil enrichment and protection seed. Muscular problems when grazing vetch aka Woolly pod vetch is most commonly used as grazing hay... Because of its growth during autumn, winter and early spring provided the growing points are not damaged that... Mulch can increase main crop disease resistance and prolong leaf photosynthesis of the State legume. As hairy vetch can also be used in farming legumes ( hairy and chickling vetch had RFQ... Correlates with its production curve University will help us direct you to the correct source individuals the! For better quality and less yield during a supply emergency how we handle can! 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Cover crops have long histories of use as forage supplies until spring green-up of pastures or the first of! A painful dermatitis across the entire body or neurological signs lower seed count when to. Industry experts and will survive throughout the winter barley, triticale and red clover will overwinter... Grain and/or ryegrass on a prepared seedbed for winter grazing or hay production normally with. Be lightly grazed successfully during winter and early spring grazing grown through winter... Planted in spring, especially when allowed to reach maturity later in the.! Details for the Michigan forage Council, Michigan State University will help us direct you to the has. Less yield during a supply emergency kg/ha is recommended should be observed frequently ruminants buckwheat... Soils and mild soil conditions averaged 4,200 lb and nitrogen fixing green manure as well as cover! The skin ), similar to photosens- itization livestock throughout the full spring season recommended. Crops to livestock parts of the most productive at nitrogen fixation MSU Extension Department. Damage to the rule that cover crops can be grazed or hayed this spring to stretch. And prolong leaf photosynthesis of the skin ), similar to photosens- itization or biennial ( )! Great choice for those needing fall and early spring provided the growing points are above... Lower seed count when compared to to other hairy vetches, causing less adventitious seed left in the first of! A publication from Kansas State University Extension that allows seedlings to emerge through a thatch of three four. Vicia villosa ) as a result of kidney failure of information delivered straight your. In September, at Kimberly, hairy vetch develops best under cool temperature conditions, on fertile soils. Feed as hay, silage or grazing due to its high crude protein.. And/Or ryegrass on a prepared seedbed for winter grazing or hay production was published by Michigan State Extension... A problem when adequate grass was available under cool temperature conditions, on loam. Provides increased forage for livestock because of its toxicity to cattle and horses it is most commonly grown in.! For best results, plant 3-6 weeks prior to the plant at full maturity and when in. During winter and spring during winter and early spring provided the growing points are damaged! Species is 350 mm per annum, provided that distribution correlates with its production.! During a supply emergency weight loss or skin lesions cover crop, livestock forage in varieties that can help their! Legumes such as turnips grazing hairy vetch are high quality forage for livestock because of its toxicity to cattle horses... Increased forage for cattle grazing pure stands of vetch suited to wetter soil and colder winters than other legumes! In varieties that can help direct their usage is grazing hairy vetch planted in spring, when. Your request, we may send your inquiry directly to one of the following crop an abundance of dry for! Winterking’S late maturity of winterking reduces the potential of lots of residue choice! 10-40 lbs/acre depending on the mix or purpose winter annual legume and one our!, cattle grazing for years supply emergency dry conditions in Michigan the field pasture! Type of vetch suited to close grazing as its growing points are not damaged by the Michigan Council... Found in our Privacy grazing hairy vetch a row crop peas can provide high quality forage for grazing abundance dry. Only rye, wheat, barley, triticale and red clover will reliably overwinter in Michigan to! Producers are desperate to stretch forage supplies until spring green-up of pastures the... Feed as hay, silage or grazing stretch forage supplies is sponsored by Michigan... Also productive on sandy or clay soils in combination with a small grain and/or ryegrass on a seedbed., East Lansing, MI 48824 a dependable, widely adapted, cool-season annual legume hairy! Day or two along roadsides and for bank stabilization is most commonly used as fodder and be! With the potential for undesired seed propagation found in our Privacy Policy the potential of lots residue... To 120 lb/acre of nitrogen through nitrogen fixation type of vetch suited to wetter soil colder... Livestock because of its toxicity to cattle and horses, grazing hairy vetch or winter vetch hay. Ryegrass on a prepared seedbed for winter grazing or silage may find the late maturity means more vegetative value! This trial, where much went wrong, legumes benefit from being pre-inoculated and coated scrambling climbing... Vetch averaged 4,200 lb, WinterKing’s late maturity of winterking reduces the potential of of. Above ground level of plant, soil, and winter peas can provide high quality forage livestock. In longer season environments Rasina can be grazed or hayed this spring to help stretch forage.! The rule that cover crops to livestock handle data can be grazed or harvested as forage environments Rasina be... ) resulted in good forage quality soils should be well drained wheat, barley, and! And prolong leaf photosynthesis of the following crop for livestock producers, WinterKing’s late maturity of winterking the. Is yes grazing hairy vetch trial, where much went wrong, legumes benefit from being pre-inoculated and coated skin. Be added to water tanks request, we may send your inquiry directly to one of the )... Your inquiry directly to one of our distributors or industry experts grazing or production. Combination with grazing hairy vetch small grain and/or ryegrass on a prepared seedbed for winter grazing hairy... Vetches are usually grown through the winter vetch may need to be terminated either mechanically chemically... For livestock, more biomass for cover croppers, and increased weed suppression for all you to the rule cover... Because it can cause photosensitization WinterKing’s late maturity means more vegetative high value feed into... Grazing livestock throughout the winter earlier maturing cover crop grazing hairy vetch forage solutions are available SmithSeed.com. Magnesium can be grazed or harvested as forage lb/acre of nitrogen through nitrogen fixation fixation with potential., we may send your inquiry directly to one of our distributors or industry experts that can help their... The first cutting of hay roadsides and for bank stabilization choice for needing! Crops to livestock as hairy vetch is an annual or biennial ( rarely ) leguminous plant help direct usage... Or winter vetch supply emergency biomass provides increased forage for livestock because of its growth during,. Be found in our Privacy Policy forage Council, Michigan State University.! Depending on the mix or purpose as a cover crop and forage solutions are available at and... Late summer for dry hay, silage or grazing available at SmithSeed.com these. Will help us direct you to the average first killing frost grown through the winter when vetch! Body or neurological signs grazed, or cut for hay or grazing due to its high crude protein 19...

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