Examples of Forage Crops.The different types of forages depend on the type of cattle to which they are oriented, the mode of consumption and the palatability preferences of the herd. There are animals, for example domestic rabbits, that prefer dry or pelleted hay over fresh.
10 examples of forage crops.
Forage crops are plants that are primarily grown to be harvested as animal feed. They are typically rich in nutrients and can be consumed by livestock such as cows, sheep, and goats. Here are 10 examples of forage crops:
- Alfalfa: A perennial legume known for its high protein content, alfalfa is widely used as a forage crop for grazing animals and as hay.
- Timothy: This cool-season grass is commonly used as hay for horses and provides good nutrition and high fiber content.
- Red clover: A legume with good protein content, red clover is often grown as a forage crop for grazing and as hay or silage.
- Bermudagrass: A warm-season grass, bermudagrass is drought-tolerant and commonly used as a forage crop in areas with hot climates.
- Orchardgrass: A perennial grass that provides good yields and palatability, orchardgrass is commonly used for grazing, hay, and silage.
- Sudan grass: A fast-growing annual grass that is well-suited for summer grazing and hay production. It can tolerate heat and drought.
- Fescue: This cool-season grass is commonly used for grazing, hay, and silage. It has good persistence and is well-suited to a range of soil types.
- Rye grass: A fast-growing cool-season grass, rye grass is often used for grazing, hay, or as a cover crop to protect soil from erosion.
- Birdsfoot trefoil: This perennial legume has good nutritional value and is often grown in mixtures with grasses for hay and grazing purposes.
- Sorghum: A warm-season grass that is commonly grown for its grain, sorghum can also be used as a forage crop for livestock in the form of silage or grazing.
These are just a few examples of the many forage crops available, and the selection of appropriate crops depends on factors such as climate, soil conditions, and the specific needs of the livestock being fed.
What is the difference between grass and forage?
The difference between fodder and pasture is that in some cases the feeding is done on the farm itself (on the ground) while in the case of fodder it is collected to feed elsewhere.
Therefore: the distinction between pastures and forages is that the grass is fed to the cattle herd directly from the ground. The forage is collected and processed (a little or a lot) to later give as an element of animal nutrition.
