Vivant Forage
Tech SheetManagement Guide

Description:

Vivant Forage brassica cover crop is a quick-growing brassica (upright and spreading cool season annual) with very little bulb development. Vivant Forage brassica is best suited for multiple grazing cycle situations because of its excellent regrowth. Vivant Forage can be used to extend the grazing season in the fall or planted alongside warm season annuals for multiple grazings in the summer. With proper management (first grazing in 40-45 days AND subsequent grazing cycles every 25-30 days when grazed no less than 4 in.), it has the potential to yield over 5 tons of dry matter per acre.

  • Known for its quick regrowth, even under close grazing
  • Different than turnips, all the energy of the plant is contained in the leaves
  • High digestibility – suitable for dairy, beef and sheep
  • When fed, brassicas need to be combined with other forages (no more than 1/3 of the total animal diet) to prevent potential livestock disorders

Visit our Mixes page to explore premium Soil First mixes blended with different brassica varieties. View mixes.

Vivant Forage
Tech SheetManagement Guide

Non-Forage Benefits:
1 = Poor; 5 = Excellent

Compaction Alleviation: 3
Weed Suppression: 4
Biomass Production: 4
Erosion Control: 3
Disease/Pest Control: 3
Pollinator/Beneficials: 3
P & K Cycling: 3
Ease of Establishment: 5

Nitrogen Fixer/Scavenger: Scavenger

Nutritional Value:
Values Vary Greatly Depending on Maturity

Crude Protein: 14
NEL¹ Mcal/lb.: –
ADF%²: 23
NDF%³: 22
TDN: 78
DM Tons/Acre: 2-5
Days to First Harvest: 35-40
Days to Next Harvest: 25-30

¹- Net Energy for Lactation = Energy available after subtracting digestive and metabolic losses
²- Acid Detergent Fiber = Low values mean more digestible
³- Neutral Detergent Fiber = Low values mean cows can eat more

Ranking (Good, Better, Best):
Graze: Best
Baleage: Better
Chop: Good

Planting Time:
July-Sept.

Seeding Rate:
Mono (lbs./acre): 4-6
Mix (lbs./acre): 2-3
Forage (lbs./acre): 5-6
Aerial (lbs./acre): 5-6

Seeding Info:
Carbon/Nitrogen Ratio (C:N): 10:1 – 15:1
Seeding Depth (in./with drill): 1/4
Seeds/lb.: 165,000
Bulk Density (lbs./ft.): 44
Aerial Application Rate: 5-6
Germination Soil Temp.: 45 F
USDA Hardiness Zone: 7
Days to Emergence: 4-6

Considerations
Brassica Crops can cause animal health disorders if not grazed properly. Introduce grazing animals to brassica pastures slowly (usually over 3-5 days). With extremely high forage values, brassicas can cause problems if hungry animals are turned out into predominate brassica pastures. Even though traditional recommendations allow for 2/3, we actually recommend keeping brassicas to under 1/3 of the grazing animal’s diet- always supplement brassicas with dry hay or other grasses (higher in fiber).

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