A hybrid brassica, Redstart combines the rapid growth of forage rape with the dry matter yield and winter hardiness of kale. This helps drive sustainable farming practices and address on-farm challenges.
Hybrid brassica's superior nutritional value
As with kale and forage rape, leaf-to-stem ratio and stem quality are major factors in the overall nutritional value of hybrid brassicas and their subsequent impact on livestock performance.
To study these important aspects, Germinal carried out field trials on the main hybrid brassica and forage rape varieties currently grown.
The trials measured the dry matter (DM) content and nutritional value of the leaf and stem at different stages of the season. This reflects the varied uses of this innovative forage crop.
Redstart is an ideal early break crop before reseeding by drilling early and using its excellent regrowth potential. Alternatively, it can be drilled later in the year to fill an autumn grazing gap or for outwintering.
Redstart successful in early drilling trial
When DM yields from early drilling (9th June) were compared with other hybrid brassicas and forage rape, Redstart delivered the highest amount of DM yield per ha after 12 weeks at 6 tonnes/ha (Graph 1).
Graph 1: Dry Matter Yield at 12 weeks (sown 9th June)
Yield (t DM/ha)
Source: Germinal Horizon
The Redstart crop also showed good quality with an average ME of 14 MJ and the highest crude protein at 31.6%.
Crop quality mirrored in later drilling trial
When DM yields were compared from later drilling (1st August), Redstart again outperformed other varieties by producing 4.3 tonnes DM/ha 12 weeks after planting (Graph 2).
Graph 2: Dry Matter Yield at 12 weeks (sown 1st August)
Yield (t DM/ha)
Source: Germinal Horizon
High crop quality was also seen again in Redstart hybrid brassica with an average ME of 13.3 MJ and crude protein of 18%.
Exceptional utilisation with Redstart crop
When considering the leaf -to-stem ratio and stem quality, the whole crop utilisation underlined the superior nutritional value and palatability of Redstart.
In February, the leaf-to-stem ratio of Redstart was 56:44, while the ME ratio was 12.76:11.89 MJ. This showed the Redstart crop maintained quality throughout the winter with an obvious visual difference in stem rejection between the varieties after being grazed.
Impressive results repeated in further trials
In trials carried out the following year by Germinal Horizon in southern England, Redstart once again show impressive yields and quality results.
Graph 3: Total Dry Matter Yield of brassica varieties (sown 22nd July)
Yield (t DM/ha)
Source: Germinal Horizon
Quality measurements also showed Redstart performed well, delivering an average ME of 11.6 MJ and crude protein of 20.7%.
Multiple trial sites reflect versatility of Redstart hybrid brassica
These trials took place across the UK demonstrating the potential for Redstart hybrid brassica to perform in a range of situations.
With the current dry spell coming after a long winter, there is some concern winter feed may be tight on farms this year. Therefore, it will help to take stock of your winter feed situation.
If you can see a deficit, planning for a July or August sowing of Redstart could provide valuable late autumn or overwinter grazing options to reduce the deficit.
Read our article on Advice for sowing a Redstart crop this year and hear how farmers across the country are using it successfully.
Ask for expert forage crop advice