Thomas Björkman and Larry Chase (Animal Science)
When there is a shortage of hay, buckwheat can be a good alternative forage. There is no question that cattle will happily eat buckwheat. In fact, buckwheat straw can't be used as bedding for that reason. But what is the forage value of buckwheat?
If buckwheat is cut early in flowering (5-6 weeks after sowing), the protein is respectable (15 - 20%) and the digestibility high. Waiting longer decreases quality and does not increase yield substantially. The value of buckwheat as forage can be comparable to the grain price if hay prices spike, so it may be an option for buckwheat growers to consider in some years.We had some samples of buckwheat from 2000 analyzed by the Dairy One lab in Ithaca. The results indicate that buckwheat harvested as hay has about protein similar to corn silage, and fiber and in vitro total digestibility similar to good quality alfalfa hay
Steuben Co: The buckwheat was picked when the grains were 30 to 50% brown. The seeds had mostly filled, but are not yet hard. It would be perhaps 3 to 4 weeks before they would be combined for grain.
9.0% CP, 0.63 NEL, 36% ADF, 43% NDF dNDF 34% 72% IVTD RFQ=122
Seneca Co. 50 to 65% brown. 1.7 T/ac DM--a poor stand, 24" tall.
4.5% CP, 0.59 NEL, 41% ADF, 50% NDF, dNDF 29%, 65% IVTD, RFQ=96
The low protein and low dNDF are indicators that harvest for forage should be done earlier that these samples (see other forage samples bleow)
Buckwheat hay should be similar to forages that dairy farmers are familiar with, and has good digestibility. The protein would need to be raised to make a balanced ration. The value of buckwheat forage can be calculated based on the fiber content. If alfalfa hay costs $100 per ton, the Steuben Co. buckwheat would be worth about $65 per dry ton. The dry matter yield in a weak stand (20 to 24" high) would be 1 ton per acre, and in a strong stand (30 to 36" high), 2 to 3 tons. Hay harvested earlies, when it is ideal quality would be worth more.
For buckwheat growers, forage could be an option under certain conditions. First, it the crop has poor seed set evident in late August or early September, the forage value may be higher than the grain value. Low seed set at that time can happen if growth is especially lush, or if there have been prolonged high temperatures in early to mid-August. Second, if hay prices are high because of local crop failures.
For dairy producers, buckwheat forage can fill in corn acreage that was not planted due to adverse weather. June sowing and some nitrogen or manure promote vegetative growth. A double crop of annual forage is possible, according to Tom Kilcer of CCE, if buckwheat is planted in June for late August harvest, then oats or triticale can be direct drilled for fall harvest. However, in June there are more attractive forage choices.
Some Cornell Cooperative extension staff have also done tests on buckwheat for forage. These have substantial protein levels compared to our samples.
Tom Kilcer, Renssalaer Co.: (Yields were 1.47 to 2.87 tons of dry matter. Early planting was 2.09 average tons and late planting was 1.78 tons. 1.94 tons for average of all cuts.)
13.1% CP; 29.2% ADF; 0.65 NEL
Pete Barney (St. Lawrence Co): Planted in mid June with starter fertilizer
July 31 ( 36" tall, in flower) 19.9% CP; 22.6% ADF; 30.5% NDF; 2.2% K
Aug. 18 (45", a few seeds) 11% CP; 29.6% ADF; 2.04% K
Sept 1 (45", some mature seeds) 15.6% CP; 35.5% ADF; 1.48% K
Sept. 21 (45" mature seeds). 12.5% CP; 28.6% ADF; 0.66 NEL ; 1.36% K
Steve Hadcock (Columbia Co.):
Feeding grain. It is also possible to feed grain buckwheat, but is has no outstanding value compared to other feedstuffs. The sharp grains may require special processing. Under normal conditions, corn and soybeans are easier feed to grow and cheaper to buy than buckwheat. However, buckwheat for feed could make sense in short-season areas where the land base is more than can be planted to other crops. It can also make sense to feed buckwheat grain if an open market is not available, or if the amount produced on the farm can't be economically trucked to the buyer. Dairy farms in Northern New York with a field or two of buckwheat may be in this situation.25.7% CP; 46.6% NDF; 31.8% ADF; 0.61 NEL
Concerns. The main concern about using buckwheat as cattle feed is that a skin rash can develop if the ration of light-colored cows is greater than 30% buckwheat and they are in the sun. Most dairies wouldn't have that much buckwheat to feed, and sunshine is rare enough in a Northeastern winter, that this concern might be small.
Modifed 3 July, 2006 by TB