Template:Chapters 10.1
10.1 - Vetch fodder in the dry season
Katherine Trottier, University of Guelph, Canada
Suggested citation for this chapter.
Trottier,K. (2022) Vetch fodder in the dry season, The Encyclopedia for Small Scale Farmers. Editor, M.N. Raizada, University of Guelph, Canada. http://www.farmpedia.org
Introduction
Extended seasonal drought in sub-tropical areas of the world pose many challenges for subsistence farmers. It is estimated that each dry season, approximately 450 million people globally have an inadequate food supply in the sub-tropics (Small & Raizada 2016). These periods of drought are often extended and have serious consequences for both crops and livestock. The dry season can last for months. Without adequate food sources, livestock can become unprofitable and may be sold or slaughtered for the family’s consumption. Livestock play a critical role in subsistence farming. Livestock can provide offspring to eat or sell, milk, eggs, or manure to improve soils and provide a nitrogen source. Therefore, it is important that farmers can sustain their livestock through periods of scarcity. Alternative fodder sources during the dry season may be the difference between the family’s health or malnutrition.
Two vetch species, common vetch (Vicia sativa) and hairy vetch (Vicia villosa), are potential crops to feed livestock during the dry season. Vetch is a very drought-tolerant legume that is a good option for grazing or making high quality hay. As a legume, vetch has the added benefits of having low nitrogen requirements and replenishes the soil. Vetch thrives in a variety of soils and is most commonly grown as a fodder source in the Mediterranean basin (their centre of origin) and western Asia. Vetch is accepted by a wide range of livestock species and is a highly nutritious fodder (Frame 2005). Vetch is a good source of protein and minerals (Frame 2005).
Description
Common vetch and hairy vetch are annual legumes that can climb up to four feet if intercropped with cereals (Verhallen et al. 2012). If grown in pure stands, vetch has a sprawling growth pattern. Vetch has a shallow root system that primarily occupies the first 20 cm of the soil. Vetch can fix nitrogen in the soil and improve growing conditions for other crops; growing hairy vetch before a cereal crop can provide nearly all the required nitrogen to the following crop (Verhallen et al. 2012). When nodes are well-developed, hairy vetch can deposit as much as 110 kilograms of nitrogen per hectare when left ungrazed (University of Missouri Extension, 2012). Common vetch can fix up to 100 kilograms of nitrogen per hectare (Velazquez-Beltran et al. 2002). Grazing will reduce this amount significantly, but still offer benefits to the soil (Ball 2001). Hairy vetch can also improve the availability of potassium to future crops. Vetch grows vigorously and will prevent weeds from growing (Verhallen et al. 2012).
Growth Information
Vetch is a hardy crop that grows best in conditions ranging from 8 to 19 °C and can grow under many soil conditions (Heuze et al. 2015). It prefers sandy, well drained soils (Verhallen et al. 2012) but can survive in very marginal conditions. A soil pH around 6-7 is preferable; vetch will not grow under very acidic conditions (Frame, 2005). Vetch grows vigorously once established, and even seedlings emerge at a rapid rate. It is important that vetch is established before the dry season begins as the crop will fail if it experiences a drought during its establishment (Frame 2005). Remarkably, both hairy and common vetch require only 300 mm of precipitation annually, but hairy vetch is better adapted to prolonged drought once established (Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education 2012).
Once vetch is above 6 inches, it may begin to be grazed (UME 2012). However, vetch cannot tolerate close grazing shorter than 3 inches during its peak flowering (Verhallen et al. 2012) (UME 2012). Cattle may be tolerable to graze during this time due to morphological features preventing close grazing (sheep and goats can graze much closer to the soil than cattle).
The main limitation to growth is phosphorous (Frame 2005). The recommended rate of fertilization is applying 100 kg of manure per hectare (International Livestock Research Institute 2013).
Cropping System
Vetch intercrops very well with cereals, particularly oats (International Livestock Research Institute 2013). In one study in Mexico, fields grown on subsistence farms with various levels of vetch in oat fields yielded 20% higher on average than compared to pure oat stands (Velázquez-Beltrán et al. 2002). Vetch helps prevent oats from lodging, and vetch flowers earlier than when grown in a pure stand (Paul et al. 2013). Oats and vetch should be seeded at a 3:1 ratio, respectively. Oats should ideally be seeded at 90 kg/ha and vetch seeded at 30 kg/ha. They can be seeded in rows 15 centimeters apart, or broadcasted (Bezabih et al. 2016).
Uses and processing
Vetch and vetch-oat combinations can be grazed as pasture or dried as hay. Hairy vetch may be better suited to haying than pasture. If used for hay, hairy vetch should be cut during its early bloom stage (Ball 2001). When intercropped with oats, the crops should be harvested when the vetch is blooming and oats are at the milky-dough stage for best quality (Velázquez-Beltrán et al. 2002). However, in a study this was shown to be unrealistic for many subsistence farmers for a variety of reasons. The crop was cut later in the season and still yielded high quality hay (Velázquez-Beltrán et al. 2002). However, hay cut later in the season will have lower crude protein content and higher fibre content which may not be as beneficial but should still be significantly higher in protein than oats alone.
Vetch-oat fodder can be dried for hay within 48 hours under ideal sunny conditions (Bezabih et al. 2016). During drying, fodder should be turned once a day. Fodder is dry when a handful snaps rather than bends. Good fodder remains green and should not be sun bleached for maximum nutrient retention. Fodder can also be fed by cutting in the morning and feeding in the afternoon, allowing it to wilt slightly (Bezabih et al. 2016).
Post harvest storage conditions should offer protection from rain; moisture can encourage mould growth and nutrient leaching. Hay should ideally be stored off the ground for air circulation, preventing dampness and rot (Martinson & Peterson 2017). Wood slats raised a few inches off the ground by bricks would be a good solution for this.
Animal Nutrition
Vetch is comparable to other legumes like alfalfa from a nutritional standpoint (UME 2012). Vetch is widely accepted by several livestock species. It has also been reported that combining legumes with grass hay increases voluntary consumption as well an increases protein content (Velazquez-Beltran et al. 2002). Vetch is a good source of protein and minerals (Frame, n. d.).
There has been some anecdotal evidence that suggests vetch has a “flushing effect” on the reproductive status of livestock (ICARDA 2015); specifically, it has been thought to increase the amount of ewes that go into estrus shortly after having access to grazing vetch during the mating season. This is contrasted to ewes being grazed on stubble. This observation may suggest that a higher nutrition profile from vetch affects the ewe’s ability to carry offspring, and can also affect the quality of oocytes (ICARDA 2015). From a practical standpoint, having a higher birth rate in a flock increases the amount of offspring to sell, and a higher income can improve the nutritional status of the household (ICARDA 2015).
Another study found that feeding forage legumes, like vetch, to cattle in Africa resulted in a higher output of milk production than feeding corn stover (Paul et al. 2013).
Recommended feeding:
Sheep and goats should be fed 1 kg per animal daily of oat-vetch fodder, or 300 g of hay (Bezabih et al. 2016). This may be supplemented with other feed that can be locally sourced.The recommended amount for cattle depends on the availability other supplemental feed sources. If cattle have access cereal residues, they should be fed 4 kg/animal/day of fodder or 1.5 kg/animal/day of hay in addition to 3.5 kg/animal/day of cereal residues. If they have access to cereal and legume residues, they should be fed 3 kg/animal/day of oat-vetch fodder or 1/animal/day kg of hay in addition to 4 kg/animal/day of cereal and legume residues. If they have access to grass pasture, cattle should be fed 2.5 kg/animal/day of fodder or 0.6 kg/animal/day of hay in addition to 6 kg/animal/day of grass. If the cattle have access to grazing grass and crop residues, they should receive 2.5 kg/animal/day of fodder or 0.7 kg/animal/day of hay in addition to available supplementation (Bezabih et al. 2016).
Practical Information and Evaluation
Adoption rates of improved forages by smallholder African farmers are low (Paul et al. 2013). In one study, Kenyan farmers ranked common vetch as their preferred forage legume compared to silverleaf desmodium (Desmodium uncinatum), lablab (Lablab purpureus), and burgundy bean (Macroptilium bracteatum). Vetch was aso a more cost-effective option (Paul et al. 2013). In central Mexico, vetch-oat combinations were regarded as being an “excellent” or “very good” forage choice by 90% of farmers, and no farmers thought it was a bad forage combination (Velázquez-Beltrán et al. 2002). Farmers thought it was a good forage because the animals enjoyed it and did not waste feed; furthermore it improved the visual condition of the animals and was high yielding (Velázquez-Beltrán et al. 2002).
Some of the main concerns farmers in Mexico had with common vetch were that it spoils if it lodges and that its development rate was not always consistent with that of oats. Lodging can be remedied by an appropriate planting density with oats (Velázquez-Beltrán et al. 2002).
There have been some reported incidences of cyanide poisoning of cattle fed exclusively common vetch (Suter 2002). This was one isolated incident in Australia, and no other cases have been reported. Hairy vetch has been known to occasionally cause dermal issues in cattle when fed for prolonged periods (Cassida 2013). To prevent the likelihood of illness, vetch should be intercropped with oats to reduce concentrations of toxins (Suter 2002). If vetch is grazed or cut frequently enough to prevent development of seedheads, the risk should be removed (Heuze et al. 2016).
In North America, vetch is viewed as a weed that can be notoriously hard to control (particularly tufted vetch, Vicia cracca which grows as a perennial). To prevent weediness or uncontrollable growth in future crops, an annual variety may be easier to control. Hairy vetch can be controlled by 2,4D and dicamba if required (Verhallen et al. 2012). Desiccants are also very effective at killing hairy vetch (Ball 2001). Clopyralid is an effective way of controlling vetch species (Cowborough 2005).
Resources for NGOs
Potential vetch species for use:
Vicia sativa (common vetch) does well in most soils, but will not tolerate poorly drained soils or acidic soils. It can be used for pastures or for haying. It is not tolerant of frost or heavy grazing. If using as hay, it should be harvested after three months (ILRI 2013).Vicia sativa ssp.Amphicarpa (underground vetch) performs better than other types of vetch in cold, dry areas and tolerates heavy grazing. Another benefit to underground vetch is that it produces both aerial and underground seed pods to increase chances of re-establishment and survival (Moneim & Elias 2003).
Vicia villosa (hairy vetch) is better suited to feeding as hay than as pasture. When grazed in a pasture, it can occasionally cause dermatitis or neurological problems in livestock (Cassida 2013). Hairy vetch is more cold hardy than common vetch. Hairy vetch is also more tolerant of poorly-drained soils and has a preference for sandy soils (Frame, n. d.). Hairy vetch can be broadcasted at a rate of 25 kg per hectare (Verhallen et al. 2012).
Vicia dasycarpa (grazing vetch) does well in heavy clay soils and is very ideal for grazing and baling. Seed at a rate of 50 kg per hectare in pure stands, or 25 kg per hectare when combined with 30 kg of cereal (Advance Seed 2017).
Picture Based Lesson to Train Farmers
For the South Asian version (pictures only, text for you to insert), click this link for lesson 11.1:http://www.sakbooks.com/uploads/8/1/5/7/81574912/11.1_south_asian.pdf
For the East/South Asian version (pictures only, text for you to insert), click this link for lesson 11.1:http://www.sakbooks.com/uploads/8/1/5/7/81574912/11.1e.s.a.pdf
For the Sub-Saharan Africa/Caribbean version (pictures only, text for you to insert), click this link for lesson 11.1:http://www.sakbooks.com/uploads/8/1/5/7/81574912/11.1subsaharan_africa_carribean.pdf
For the Latin-America version (pictures only, text for you to insert), click this link for lesson 11.1:http://www.sakbooks.com/uploads/8/1/5/7/81574912/11.1latin_america.pdf
For North Africa And Middle East version (pictures only, text for you to insert), click this link for lesson Chapter 5. 10.1:http://www.sakbooks.com/uploads/8/1/5/7/81574912/10.1n._africa_middleeast.pdf
Source: MN Raizada and LJ Smith (2016) A Picture Book of Best Practices for Subsistence Farmers: eBook, University of Guelph Sustainable Agriculture Kit (SAK) Project, June 2016, Guelph, Canada. Available online at: www.SAKBooks.com
Where to access seeds
•The International Centre for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA) has over 6000 accessions of vetch that may be requested. Different qualities can be requested for specific areas. (Access at: <http://www.icarda.cgiar.org/research-sub/biodiversity-and-its-utilization>.)
•Alibaba.com also has a large selection of vetch seeds. (Access at: <http://www.alibaba.com/trade/search?fsb=y&IndexArea=product_en&CatId=&SearchText=vetch+seeds>.)
•Hairy vetch is widely available for sale in North America. Seeds can be found on Amazon.com (Access at: <https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Dlawngarden&field-keywords=hairy+vetch>) or other seed companies. (Access at: <http://www.victoryseeds.com/vicia-sativa_hairy-vetch.html) (Access at: <https://www.smithseed.com/seed/cover-crops/cover-crops/vetch>.)
•Grazing vetch is available from the South African company Advance Seed. (Access at: <http://www.advanceseed.com/site/page?view=grazing_vetch>.)
References
1. Advance Seed. (2017). Grazing vetch. Accessed online from: <http://www.advanceseed.com/site/page?view=grazing_vetch>. [February 8 2017]
2. Ball, D. (2001). Hairy vetch benefits crops, livestock. Alabama Cooperative Extension System. Accessed online from: < http://www.southeastfarmpress.com/hairy-vetch-benefits-crops-livestock>. [February 3 2017]
3. Bezabih, M., Mekonnen, K., Adie, A., & Thorne, P. (2016) Guidelines on the utilization of cultivated oatvetch and tree lucerne fodder in the Africa RISING sites of the Ethiopian highlands. Accessed online from: <https://cgspace.cgiar.org/bitstream/handle/10568/78175/AR_ethiopia_fodder_guideline_oct2016.pdf?sequence=1>. [February 12 2017]
4. Cassida, K. (2013). Can you graze cover crops? Michigan State University Extension. Accessed online from: <http://msue.anr.msu.edu/news/can_you_graze_cover_crops_yes>. [February 3 2017]
5. Centre for Agriculture and Biosciences International. (2017). Vicia villosa (hairy vetch). Accessed online from: < http://www.cabi.org/isc/datasheet/56371/aqb>. [February 16 2017]
6. Cowborough, M. (2005). Vetch, tufted (Vicia cracca). Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. Accessed online from: <http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/crops/field/weeds/tufted_vetch.htm>. [February 3 2017]
7. Frame, J. (2005). Vicia sativa. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. Accessed online from: <http://www.fao.org/ag/agp/agpc/doc/Gbase/DATA/pf000505.HTM>. [January 28 2017]
8. Frame, J. (2005). Vicia villosa. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. Accessed online from: <http://www.fao.org/ag/agp/AGPC/doc/Gbase/DATA/Pf000506.htm>. [January 28 2017]
9. Heuze, V., Tran, G., & Baumont, R. (2015. Common vetch: Vicia sativa. Feedipedia. Accessed online from: < http://www.feedipedia.org/node/239>. [February 16 2017]
10. Heuze, V., Tran, G., Edouard, N., Lessire, M., & Lebas, F. (2016). Hairy vetch: Vicia villosa. Feedipedia. Accessed online from: < http://www.feedipedia.org/node/238>. [February 16 2017]
11. International Centre for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas. (2015). Revisiting vetch with farmers promotes zero-till practise. Accessed online from: <https://www.icarda.org/update/revisiting-vetch-farmers-promotes-zero-till-practice#sthash.nw4G7lk1.dpbs>. [February 1 2017]
12. International Livestock Research Institute. (2013). Common vetch (Vicia sativa) for livestock feed on small-scale farms. International Livestock Research Institute. Accessed online from: <https://cgspace.cgiar.org/bitstream/handle/10568/33342/Vicia%20sativa_apr2012.pdf?sequence=4&isAllowed=y>. [February 6 2017]
13. Martinson, K., & Peterson, P. (2017). Selecting and storing horse hay. University of Minnesota Extension. Accessed online from: <http://www.extension.umn.edu/agriculture/horse/nutrition/selecting-and-storing-horse-hay/>. [February 22 2017]
14. Moneim, A. M., & Elias, S. F. (2003). Underground vetch (Vicia sativa ssp. amphicarpa): a potential pasture and forage legume for dry areas in west Asia. Journal of Agronomy and Crop Science, 189(3): 136-141.
15. Paul, B., Njenga, D., Mudavadi, P., Maass, B., Lukuyu, B. (2013). Evaluating farmers’ preferences for tropical forage legumes in smallholder farming systems in two contrasting agro-ecologies in Rift Valley, Kenya. Accessed online from: <https://www.researchgate.net/publication/260248359_Evaluating_farmers'_preferences_for_tropical_forage_legumes_in_smallholder_farming_systems_in_two_contrasting_agro-ecologies_in_Rift_Valley_Kenya>. [February 2 2017]
16. Small, F. A & Raizada, M. N. (2016). Mitigating dry season food insecurity in the sub-tropics by prospecting drought-tolerant, nitrogen-fixing weeds. Agriculture and Food Security (In press) (DOI 10.1186/s40066-017-0096-6)
17. Suter, R. J. (2002). Short contribution: suspected cyanide poisoning of cows fed vetch (Vicia sativa) hay. Australian Veterinary Journal, 80(5): 282.
18. University of Missouri Extension. (2012). Dairy grazing: selecting the right forage. University of Missouri Extension. Accessed online from: <http://www.extension.missouri.edu/p/M181-27>. [February 10 2017]
19. Velazquez-Beltran, G. L., Felipe-Perez, Y. E., & Arriaga-Jordan, C. M. (2002). Common vetch (Vicia sativa) for improving the nutrition or working equids in Campesino systems on hill slopes in central Mexico. Tropical Animal Health and Production, 34(2): 169-179.
20. Verhallen, A., Hayes, A., & Taylor, T. (2012). Cover crops: hairy vetch. Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Affairs. Accessed online from: <http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/crops/facts/cover_crops01/hairyvetch.htm>. [February 4 2017]