Ryegrass

Ryegrass is a highly palatable and protein-rich grass that is grown primarily for pasture and silage. It is valued for its high nutrient composition and digestibility. Due to its excellent nutritional quality it is commonly used as pasture for lactating dairy cows. Sprouted ryegrass fodder contains many of the same benefits of its more mature, pasture-grown counterpart and the feed value of ryegrass fodder is highly comparable to corn.



Feeding ryegrass fodder to livestock also offers these benefits:

  • High in crude protein
  • Protein and nutrients are highly digestible
  • Feed value comparable to corn

Ryegrass is an excellent option for sprouting fodder, however since most of the seed production occurs in the Pacific Northwest, it may not be available in your area. Ryegrass should also not be confused with the cereal grain, rye. Alternatives to ryegrass include:

  • Barley
  • Wheat

Did you know?

It Doesn't Have to be Four-Leafed, but…
Ryegrass is typically blended with crimson clover to provide the most complete ration to livestock. Put your magnifying glass away because this isn't the right type to find a four-leafed clover.
Take the Rye out of Ryegrass
Ryegrass should not be confused with rye. Rye is a cereal grain that is closely related to barley and wheat. It is grown for its grains and as forage.
Caution: Ryegrass Staggers
When purchasing ryegrass seed for your FodderPro Feed System, make sure to buy seed that is endophyte free, endophyte beneficial or endophyte friendly. This is especially important for horses. Endophytes are bacteria or fungi that live within the plant material and can cause ryegrass staggers when consumed by livestock. Ryegrass staggers is a neurotoxic condition that affects several species of livestock and horses and causes incoordination, jerky movements and tremors. This condition can be fatal in severe cases.

Ryegrass Seed

Ryegrass fodder seed

For high-quality and consistent fodder, you need high quality seed from a consistent source. The seeds used in your FodderPro Feed System directly affect the quality of the fodder that is produced. Purchase only the cleanest and least processed seed available.

Downloads

Forage Report (100kB PDF).

Contact Us

Unsure of your feed needs? Contact us today!