Performance of Spring Sown Triticale, Oats, Barley, and Wheat1

Abstract Triticale (X Triticosecale) has recently been promoted as a high protein livestock feed. In order to determine its suitability for this purpose we compared the yield, test weight, protein content and lodging of triticale with that of adapted cultivars of spring oats (Avena sativa L.), barley (Hordeum vulgare L.), and wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) at four locations in each of 4 years in Wisconsin. Triticale cultivars averaged 16.9% protein concentration in the whole grain, while wheat, oats and barley cultivars averaged 15.5, 14.2 and 12.5% protein, respectively. However, wheat, oats, and barley produced higher grain yields and more protein on an area basis. Maximum protein yield was produced by Dal oats, a recently released high protein cultivar. The triticale cultivars were taller than the other species, but they had good standability up to maturity. Triticale was later in maturity, harder to thresh, and of considerably higher ergot content than the other spring species.