Oats are a versatile crop that can be used for a variety of purposes, including as a cover crop, cash grain crop, or as hay or silage for livestock.
However, one of the most important decisions that producers must make when using oats for forage is when to harvest the crop. Harvest timing affects the forage yield and feeding value of the harvested crop, and producers often use visual traits of the developing oat crop to make this decision.
In this article, we will explore how to tell when oats are in the milk stage, one of the key stages in oat development that can impact forage quality and yield.
So, if you’re a farmer or livestock producer looking to optimize your oat harvest, read on to learn more!
How To Tell When Oats Are In Milk Stage?
The milk stage is one of the three stages of oat development, along with the boot stage and the dough stage. It is characterized by a green seedhead and developing grain that has a liquid, milky color starch.
To determine if your oats are in the milk stage, you can use visual guides such as Figure 1, 2, and 3. The developing seedhead should still be in the leaf sheath of the uppermost leaf during the boot stage. In the milk stage, the seedhead is green and has a milky color starch. Finally, in the dough stage, the seedhead color changes from green to yellow, and the grain starch changes from soft to hard consistency.
It’s important to note that oat development progresses relatively quickly, so it’s essential to monitor your crop closely to harvest at your target time. The forage yield and feeding value of the harvested crop change as the oat plant matures through its growth stages.
For lactating dairy cattle, oat forages should be harvested as soon as the first grain heads appear in a field (late boot stage). Oat forage at this stage will provide a feed with more energy and similar protein levels to late-bud alfalfa and similar energy but higher protein content than corn silage.
If you’re harvesting oats for feeding to gestating beef cows, you may choose to delay harvest until the dough stage to gain slightly more forage yield.
Understanding The Oat Growth Stages
To understand when oats are in the milk stage, it’s essential to know the different growth stages of oats. Oats have three growth stages: the boot stage, the milk stage, and the dough stage.
During the boot stage, the developing seedhead is still in the leaf sheath of the uppermost leaf. As the oat plant progresses to the milk stage, the seedhead becomes green, and the developing grain has a liquid, milky color starch. Finally, in the dough stage, the seedhead color changes from green to yellow, and the grain starch changes from soft to hard consistency.
It’s important to note that the forage yield and feeding value of harvested oat crops change as the plant matures through its growth stages. Producers must monitor their crop closely to harvest at their target time.
For producers looking to harvest oats for lactating dairy cattle, it’s recommended to harvest as soon as the first grain heads appear in a field (late boot stage). Oat forage at this stage provides more energy and similar protein levels to late-bud alfalfa and similar energy but higher protein content than corn silage.
On the other hand, if you’re harvesting oats for feeding gestating beef cows, you may choose to delay harvest until the dough stage to gain slightly more forage yield.
The Importance Of Identifying The Milk Stage
Identifying the milk stage is crucial for oat producers because it is the stage that offers the best compromise between yield and quality. Cutting oats during the milk stage will result in a feed with high energy and protein levels, making it an excellent option for lactating dairy cattle.
Moreover, cutting oats during the milk stage will provide a feed with a higher nutrient content than cutting during the dough stage. Delaying harvest until the dough stage may result in a slightly higher yield, but the overall quality of the forage will be lower, and most of the feed value will be in the grain.
To determine if your oats are in the milk stage, you should look for visual cues such as a green seedhead and developing grain with a milky color starch. It’s essential to monitor your crop closely to ensure that you harvest at your target time because oat development progresses quickly.
Visual Traits Of Oats In Milk Stage
Visual traits can be used to identify if your oats are in the milk stage. During this stage, the seedhead is green, and the developing grain has a liquid, milky color starch. In Figure 2, you can see that the leaves are still green, and the seedheads have not yet turned yellow.
It’s important to note that the milk stage is a crucial time for harvesting oats for forage. Delaying harvest beyond this stage can result in a decrease in feeding value and yield. For example, if you’re harvesting oats for lactating dairy cattle, it’s recommended to harvest at the late boot stage when the first grain heads appear.
By monitoring your crop closely and using visual guides like Figure 2, you can determine when your oats are in the milk stage and make informed decisions about when to harvest for optimal yield and feeding value.
Tools For Accurately Determining Milk Stage
To accurately determine the milk stage of your oats, there are a few tools you can use. One of the most commonly used visual guides is Figure 2, which illustrates the different growth stages of oats. Another tool is to use a plant tissue test to measure the nitrate levels of the plant. During the milk stage, the nitrate levels in the plant are typically at their highest.
Another way to determine the milk stage is by using a refractometer, which measures the sugar content in the plant. During the milk stage, the sugar content is typically at its lowest, so a refractometer can help you pinpoint when your oats have reached this stage.
Finally, you can also use a Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen (TKN) analysis to determine when your oats are in the milk stage. This method measures the percent protein content in milk by analyzing total nitrogen. Because protein nitrogen derived from amino acids represents approximately 95% of nitrogen in milk, this analysis can help you estimate when your oats have reached the milk stage.
Harvesting Oats At The Right Time For Optimal Forage Yield And Quality
When using oats for forage, the timing of harvest is crucial. Early removal of the cover crop from a new forage seeding reduces shade and moisture competition, which benefits the new forage seedlings. However, harvest timing also affects the forage yield and forage feeding value of the harvested crop.
Producers often use visual traits of the developing oat crop to make harvest decisions. The milk stage is a crucial stage for optimal forage yield and quality. At this stage, the oat plant has a milky color starch, and the seedhead is green.
The harvested yield of oats forage increases rapidly with increasing maturity until early dough stage. For lactating dairy cattle, oat forages should be harvested as soon as the first grain heads appear in a field (late boot stage). Oat forage at this stage will provide a feed with more energy and similar protein levels to late-bud alfalfa and similar energy but higher protein content than corn silage.
If you’re harvesting oats for feeding to gestating beef cows, you may choose to delay harvest until the dough stage to gain slightly more forage yield. However, delaying harvest past the late dough stage may result in dry forage that cannot be ensiled.
Tips For Storing And Feeding Oats As Forage
Once you have harvested your oats in the milk stage, it’s important to store and feed them properly to ensure maximum nutritional value for your livestock. Here are some tips for storing and feeding oats as forage:
1. Store oats in a dry and cool place to prevent mold growth and spoilage. Ideally, oats should be stored in a well-ventilated area with a relative humidity of 70% or less and a temperature between 40-60°F.
2. Keep oats free from pests such as rodents and insects by storing them in sealed containers or bags.
3. Feed oats as soon as possible after harvesting to maintain maximum nutritional value. Oats lose nutritional value over time, so it’s best to use them within six months of harvesting.
4. Use a forage analysis to determine the nutrient content of your oats before feeding them to livestock. This will help you balance the ration and ensure that your animals are getting the proper nutrients.
5. Oats can be fed as hay or silage, depending on your preference and the needs of your livestock. If feeding as hay, make sure it is properly cured and stored to prevent mold growth.
6. When feeding oats as forage, be sure to provide plenty of clean water and monitor your livestock’s intake to prevent overconsumption or underconsumption.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your harvested oats are stored and fed properly, providing maximum nutritional value for your livestock.
