Comparative Forage Yield and Digestibility of Winter Canola and Wheat.

In Asia and South America, besides winter wheat, canola is extensively used as a forage crop. In US, particularly southeastern region, the potential of winter canola as a winter forage crop with wheat has not been evaluated. Therefore, canola (cv. Jetton) and wheat (cv. Jackson) were planted as solo and in 1:1, 1:2, 1:3 ratios with four replications in a complete randomized design for two years. The forage was harvested at grazable height  on three different dates (Mar 6, 27, and April 11). During both years, canola and wheat when planted in 1:1 ratio produced highest forage than solo or in other ratios. Among harvesting dates, forage yield was significantly higher when harvested on Mar 27 (33.0 Mg ha^-1) than Mar 6 (27.2 Mg ha^-1) and April 11 (20.9 Mg ha^-1). After mid-April, both crops did not produce any forage. Forage from solo planted canola harvested on March 6 gave higher crude protein (15.25%) than 2W:1C (12.72%) and solo wheat (12.71%). Canola forage has higher digestible nutrients and crude protein than wheat.