Hybrid Millet (Hybrid pennisetum), Nutrifast

Nutrifast

Nutrifast is Barenbrug’s newest hybrid millet variety providing even higher yields and nutritional content than Pearler. Nutrifast is a high-quality forage that can provide livestock productivity in summer comparable to that of oats in winter. It has digestibility and protein levels similar to that of oats, ryegrass and dolichos.

Establishment

Although Nutrifast can produce exceptional livestock productivity, it does require suitable soil and the correct management. Being a forage pennisetum, a good well-drained soil is required and a soil temperature of 16-18°C or more. Seeing that Nutrifast has small seed (60,000 – 80,000 seeds/ kg) it is important to plant into a well-prepared seed bed where good soil-seed contact can be achieved.

Grazing management

Nutrifast poses no risk of prussic acid poisoning, therefore it can be grazed at a much earlier stage than forage sorghum. For the best results graze early – as soon as the plants are not easily pulled out of the ground. There may not appear to be a lot of feed at this stage, but due to quick regrowth and high tillering ability, feed supply is good. Early grazing will maximise its protein and energy content, boosting animal productivity. Nutrifast’s quick regrowth and lack of prussic acid means it can be grazed heavily for long periods, allowing high stocking rates.

Seeding rate

• 8-15kg/ha (irrigation); 4-8kg/ha (dryland)