STUBBLE turnips drilled after cereals could prove a valuable addition to feed reserves this autumn.

Advanta Seeds say they could be useful in helping to preserve silage stocks where first cut yields were lower than expected, or where extra livestock are kept due to foot and mouth restrictions.

The crop is fast growing, with cattle and sheep able to graze them 12 to 14 weeks after sowing, and is relatively cheap to grow, requiring few inputs.

Dry matter yields of 3.5 to 4 t/ha can be achieved, with an ME of 11MJ in the dry matter, a CP of 18pc and D value of 68 to 70.

Where fed separately, the wilted tops can provide an extra 4 t/ha of forage.

Advanta says stubble turnips need to be grown on free draining land - particularly where the aim is to graze late into the year.

However, adequate soil moisture at drilling is critical for establishment.

Seed can be drilled after cultivations or broadcast and rolled into broken stubble.

Advanta recommends that 75 to 100kg of nitrogen/ha should be applied at sowing, as soil N reserves will be low after the preceding cereal crop.

After three to four weeks a top dressing of N fertiliser, up to 75 kg/ha, will ensure the crop reaches its full yield potential.

Cattle and sheep take about three weeks to adjust to stubble turnips and should be introduced gradually to the crop.

Between grazings they should have a run-back area onto grass or have access to silage. Hay or straw should also be on offer to dairy cows prior to each food.

Advanta says that at least one farmer has big baled stubble turnips, successfully feeding them to his high yielding dairy cows. While dry matter is low, the quality is very good..

In a grazing situation, dairy cows will eat around 22.5kg over a two to three hours.

To avoid the possibility of milk taint the cows should have access to the crop immediately after milking, and taken off at least three hours before the next milking.

Advanta has a portfolio of stubble turnips for autumn sowing, including Samson and Rondo. In trials alongside six other varieties Samson proved the clear favourite with sheep.