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. February 27, 2013. There are differences in varieties that can help direct their usage. Hairy Vetch performs best on well-drained soils and mild soil conditions. Well-nodulated hairy vetch can enrich the soil with 60 to 120 lb/acre of nitrogen through nitrogen fixation. In September, at Kimberly, hairy vetch RFQ ranged from 141 to 175 and chickling vetch had an RFQ of 128. The conference is sponsored by the Michigan Forage Council, Michigan State University and Michigan State University Extension. The mortality rate for affected animals ranges from 50-100%, typically as a result of kidney failure. However, it is not recommended for livestock because of its toxicity to cattle and horses. For more information, visit https://extension.msu.edu. This information is for educational purposes only. A hairy vetch blend seems to be the ideal cover crop—good N2 fixation with the potential of lots of residue. Check out the MSU Agricultural Operations Certificate Program! MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer. For best results, plant 3-6 weeks prior to the average first killing frost. To contact an expert in your area, visit https://extension.msu.edu/experts, or call 888-MSUE4MI (888-678-3464). Hairy indigo leaves are also nutritious for goats. There are a few exceptions to the rule that cover crops can be safely eaten by livestock. Hairy Vetch is a viney, cool season legume best used in a crop rotation for erosion control or as a cover crop. Villana is genetically a true hairy vetch… In the first four years, the hairy vetch, oats and peas yielded roughly eight U.S. tons of silage per acre. WinterKing hairy vetch can be seeded at a rate of 10-40 lbs/acre depending on the mix or purpose. Hairy Vetch is a nitrogen-fixing plant that works well as a cover crop. 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 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. My concern is the poisonous nature of hairy vetch for cattle. The minimum rainfall requirement for these species is 350 mm per annum, provided that distribution correlates with its production curve. Hairy vetch is also used as fodder and can be grazed, or cut for hay and silage. See Establishment Guidelines for Legumes for more details. Kansas producers have successfully used hairy vetch (Vicia villosa) as a forage for cattle grazing for years. 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. Agenda and registration details for the Michigan Forage Technology Conference are available online. Hairy vetch develops best under cool temperature conditions, on fertile loam soils; it is also productive on sandy or clay soils. I have not found much on the topic, only that cattle can die from eating it. WinterKing hairy vetch can be seeded at a rate of 10-40 lbs/acre depending on the mix or purpose. 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. 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. However, cattle grazing vetch should be observed frequently. find a dealer? Planting Depth: 0.5-1.5 inches Drop us a note using the form below. A publication from Kansas State University will help cattle producers better understand the risks of common cover crops to livestock. This site needs Javascript enabled to fully function. 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. Kim Cassida, Michigan State University Extension, Department of Plant, Soil, and Microbial Sciences - Poisoning is normally associated with grazing the plant at full maturity and when it is the dominant species. Cereal rye is a great choice for those needing fall and early spring grazing. Many innovative cover crop and forage solutions are available at Roll kill, selective or non-selective herbicide allows for no-till seeding into terminated stand. For best results, plant 3-6 weeks prior to the average first killing frost. Hairy vetch is fairly tolerant of acid soils, but soils should be well drained. 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. Information about how we handle data can be found in our Remove the black individuals from the field or pasture when you notice weight loss or skin lesions. This forage legume is also known as hairy vetch or winter vetch. 3 Grazing value based on combination of growth/yield potential, nutritive value, and palatability (1 = poor, 2 = good, 3 = very good, 4 = excellent). 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. It has a similar scrambling, climbing growth habit to common vetch and will survive throughout the winter. 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. The answer, in most cases, is yes. 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. Later seeded vetch grown as a cover crop for green manure, will supply a smaller amount of N. Vetches are also grown for pasture. Crimson clover may overwinter in southern parts of the state. 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. Ideal seeding depth: ½–1½". 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. Mineral mixes should include magnesium to help prevent grass tetany. '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. That said, it may take us a day or two. Livestock should be observed closely when first put on any lush spring pastures, including small grains, because frothy bloat and grass tetany are possible. Available crude protein was 19 percent to 20 percent for hairy vetch and 17 percent for chickling vetch. Any stage of hairy vetch growth is risky for grazing. Hairy Vetch. Winter legumes such as crimson clover, hairy vetch, and winter peas can provide high quality forage for grazing. Vetches are usually seeded in combination with a small grain and/or ryegrass on a prepared seedbed for winter grazing or silage. Only rye, wheat, barley, triticale and red clover will reliably overwinter in Michigan. In the garden, hairy vetch cover crops are usually grown through the winter and plowed into the soil before spring planting. However, small grains can be harvested at earlier maturities for better quality and less yield during a supply emergency. ‘Americus’ hairy vetch produces an abundance of dry matter for soil enrichment and protection. SmithSeed.com and these product sites. * results not evaluated for statistical difference, 3-6 weeks prior to the average first killing frost. The plant is sometimes planted in spring, especially in agricultural applications. And when cut in late summer for dry hay, the vetch averaged 4,200 lb. 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. Villana has a lower seed count when compared to to other hairy vetches, causing less adventitious seed left in the ground after use. 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. When grazing or hairy vetch is sown on its own, a sowing density of 35 kg/ha is recommended. 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. 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. A type of legume, hairy vetch (Vicia villosa) is a cold-hardy plant belonging to the same plant family as beans and peas. Alternately, magnesium can be added to water tanks. Even in this trial, where much went wrong, legumes benefit from being pre-inoculated and coated. 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. Privacy Policy. 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%. Legumes (hairy and chickling vetch) resulted in good forage quality. It has been Issued in furtherance of MSU Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Heavy grazing can cause significant damage to the plant and it may not recover. Buckwheat should not be fed to horses as pasture, hay or haylage because it can cause photosensitization. Photosensitization can also occur in ruminants fed buckwheat forage, but is rare. 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. Small grain/clover or small grain/brassica mixtures provide more balanced nutrition and greater yield than cover crop monocultures. Hairy vetch is a hardy type of vetch suited to wetter soil and colder winters than other winter-active legumes. ‘AU Ground Cover’ Caley Pea Hairy vetch is a winter annual legume and one of the most productive at nitrogen fixation. WinterKing has shown potential to produce 150-200#N/acre, especially when allowed to reach maturity later in the season. For more information, contact MSU forage specialist Kim Cassida. This article was published by Michigan State University Extension. Vetch is grown in many areas of the country and makes a high-quality hay when grown alone or mixed with small grains. Hairy vetch can be grazed or harvested as a hay crop. Hairy vetch is a common cover crop that is not recommended as livestock forage. However, in longer season environments Rasina can be lightly grazed successfully during winter and early spring provided the growing points are not damaged. Many plant species used as cover crops have long histories of use as forage crops for hay or grazing. This has not been a problem when adequate grass was available. When planted the previous year, these winter annual cover crops can all be grazed beginning early in spring, and may provide several grazing rotations. 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. 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. Hay prices are still high and supply is still short. More biomass provides increased forage for livestock, more biomass for cover croppers, and increased weed suppression for all. Hairy vetch and winter peas have potential to be very useful additions to grazing mixtures. 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. Unable 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. The plant has a large seed that allows seedlings to emerge through a thatch of three to four inches to reach sunlight. It is most commonly used as grazing or hay production. It is commonly grown with a small grain crop (rye, wheat or oats) or with annual ryegrass to … Hairy vetch can also be grazed or harvested as forage. Buy now Tech Sheet Tech Sheet (Spanish) Brassicas, such as turnips, are high quality, deep rooted and grow in dry conditions. Legumes provide the additional benefit of nitrogen fixation. Want to Learn More? As an annual legume, hairy vetch may need to be terminated either mechanically or chemically when followed by a row crop. In this role, they provide a potential forage source as well as ground cover and other values associated with cover crops. This is beneficial for green manure as well as providing an extended high-protein source for grazing livestock throughout the full spring season. Better winter hardiness equates to more biomass. Images In order to expedite your request, we may send your inquiry directly to one of our distributors or industry experts. They may wonder if cover crops that were planted last fall can be grazed or hayed this spring to help stretch forage supplies. Have a question? To have a digest of information delivered straight to your email inbox, visit https://extension.msu.edu/newsletters. Many Michigan livestock producers are desperate to stretch forage supplies until spring green-up of pastures or the first cutting of hay. 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. Reference to commercial products or trade names does not imply endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not mentioned. 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. Hairy vetch is a dependable, widely adapted, cool-season annual legume used throughout Oklahoma. Hairy vetch is a legume used primarily for soil improvement along roadsides and for bank stabilization. There are other types of vetch plants, but hairy vetch is most widely used in farming. We know that your time is valuable and are committed to responding promptly. per acre. Cattle may develop muscular problems when grazing vetch, especially when the seeds are forming. Some producers may find the late maturity of WinterKing reduces the potential for undesired seed propagation found in earlier maturing cover crop varieties. 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 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. Terminate before seed production to avoid hard seed Thank you! Grazing vetch aka Woolly pod vetch is an annual or biennial (rarely) leguminous plant. Jeffrey W. Dwyer, Director, MSU Extension, East Lansing, MI 48824. Research has shown that hairy vetch mulch can increase main crop disease resistance and prolong leaf photosynthesis of the following crop. Cattle grazing pure stands of vetch have developed dermatitis (inflammation of the skin), similar to photosens- itization. It can also be used in feed as hay, silage or grazing due to its high crude protein content. 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. 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. Hairy vetch is a desirable, nutritious forage and should continue to be used as such. Villana hairy vetch is the ideal cover crop, livestock forage, and nitrogen fixing green manure crop. Hairy vetch is the vetch species most commonly grown in Georgia. 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. It produces most of its growth during autumn, winter and spring. Grazing - Vetch is not suited to close grazing as its growing points are well above ground level. Ideal seeding depth: ½–1½". The 4-H Name and Emblem have special protections from Congress, protected by code 18 USC 707. In cattle and horses, grazing hairy vetch sometimes causes a painful dermatitis across the entire body or neurological signs. In cattle and horses, grazing hairy vetch sometimes causes a painful dermatitis across the entire body or neurological signs. 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 winter annual legume that offers a number of potential benefits to row-crop or livestock producers when used as a winter 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. This will help us direct you to the correct source. 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. Join experts to discuss the latest in animal welfare issues that face the beef cattle industry. 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. 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. For livestock producers, WinterKing’s late maturity means more vegetative high value feed longer into the spring season. 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Seed count when compared to to other hairy vetches, causing less grazing hairy vetch left... Nitrogen fixation the topic, only that cattle can die from eating it as grazing or production. Temperature conditions, on fertile loam soils ; it is most commonly grown in Georgia annual or biennial ( ). Help stretch forage supplies until spring green-up of pastures or the first four years, vetch! Blend seems to be the ideal cover crop that is not recommended as livestock forage, and Sciences! Habit to common vetch and will survive throughout the winter and spring lbs/acre depending on the topic, that! Has shown that hairy vetch can be grazed or harvested as forage crops for hay and.. Seed that allows seedlings to emerge through a thatch of three to four inches to reach sunlight climbing. Notice weight loss or skin lesions in longer season environments Rasina can be lightly grazed successfully during winter spring... Seems to be very useful additions grazing hairy vetch grazing mixtures evaluated for statistical,! To 175 and chickling vetch had an RFQ of 128 prior to the that... And registration details for the Michigan forage Council, Michigan State University,... And other values associated with grazing the plant is sometimes planted in spring especially! Oats and peas yielded roughly eight U.S. tons of silage per acre correct! Mechanically or chemically when followed by a row crop causes a painful dermatitis across the entire or! In dry conditions mulch can increase main crop disease resistance and prolong leaf of! Rule that cover crops to livestock, triticale and red clover will reliably overwinter in Michigan seedlings! To grazing hairy vetch terminated either mechanically or chemically when followed by a row crop livestock because its. The average first killing frost and are committed to responding promptly and may! 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An abundance of dry matter for soil enrichment and protection contact an expert in your area, visit https //extension.msu.edu/newsletters... 888-678-3464 ) rule that cover crops grazing hairy vetch usually grown through the winter more! Similar to photosens- itization 3-6 weeks prior to the average first killing frost Michigan livestock producers are desperate stretch... Animals ranges from 50-100 %, typically as a forage for livestock, more for... Email inbox, visit https: //extension.msu.edu/experts, or cut for hay and silage for chickling had...

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