Field Pea Straw Value Equation
EDMONTON - Oct 19/15 - SNS -- Field pea straw has ecenomic value as feed and fertilizer, reminds Mark Olson, unit head pulse crops, Alberta Agriculture and Forestry.
"The dry conditions experienced in many parts of the province this past growing season have livestock producers searching for feed.
"In travelling around Alberta, it seems that a lot of field pea straw has been baled. However, many producers selling or purchasing field pea straw for feed dont know what the fertilizer equivalent or feed value of the straw is."
The fertilizer equivalent is the value (nutrient wise) of the straw had been worked back in the soil. "Not knowing the value of field pea straw is a problem for two reasons; first, it is difficult to determine what the price of the straw should be, and second, it is difficult to formulate a satisfactory ration for livestock."
Olson says farmers who are thinking of selling field pea straw should first test it.
"Western Canadian research into the nutritive attributes of field pea straw is limited. Results from a three-year study on over 450 field pea straw samples collected from behind the combine from various locations in south central Alberta showed a large variability in nutritive value between years and locations. There was average of 7.5% crude protein, 0.087%, phosphorous, 1.38% potassium, 0.133% sulphur, 1.68 calcium, 50% acid detergent fibre (ADF) and 63% neutral detergent fibre (NDF)."
Using 2015 fertilizer prices and the average nutrient values from the study above, field pea straw was calculated to have an approximate fertilizer equivalent value of $30/tonne, not counting baling and hauling.
"Producers can calculate their own machinery costs for baling using AFs Farm Machinery Cost Calculator as simply taking the going rate for their area may be costing them money. The cost of baling and hauling varies greatly among producers and locations in the province. Based on AFs 2014 survey, the custom rate of round baling (large) ranges $9-$15/bale (dependent on area of the province) and hauling is $8-$10/bale (dependent on mileage). If one were to assume 1,000 lbs. per large round bale, the value of that straw could be easily range anywhere from $32- $40/bale delivered in the yard, but, of course, this is dependent on demand."
In terms of feeding, field pea straw quality appears to be better than cereal straw. "It can be significantly higher in protein, but high fibre levels limit digestibility and expected feed intake. Field pea straw is primarily useful for beef cow rations where high quality roughage is not as important as other classes of cattle. Field pea straw, when fed with higher quality roughage, grain or a combination of both, can produce a very cost-effective ration. Generally, higher protein levels makes pea straw a better match with grain than with cereal straw."
Palatability studies with field pea straw have not been conducted. "Palatability refers to how well an animal will consume the feed. Anecdotal evidence provided by beef producers suggests a large range in field pea straw palatability, from cattle devouring the field pea straw to complete rejection. Mould, caused by baling straw that wasnt dry, may be one reason animals may not consume it whole heartedly. Additionally, some livestock producers have indicated that field pea straw sprayed with pre-harvest treatment may have lower palatability. To date there is no scientific evidence to support or refute this observation."
Olson adds that processing the straw, such as grinding or chopping it with machines like mix mills, or hay busters, and mixing the straw with other feeds, may help with palatability.
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