It ranked first
in crude protein
with contents ranging
from 22% to 26%, and was
consistently among the
top three forages tested
in total digestible
nutrients and in
relative feed value.
Animal studies
are in progress
under the direction of
Dr. Rao at the USDA ARS
in El Reno, OK., with
preliminary results
looking very promising.
Effect of AC Greenfix (chickling
vetch) on gestating ewes
was documented at
NDSU, Dickinson, North
Dakota.
Cattle will readily eat
AC Greenfix if given the
opportunity. It should
be noted that the
seed
contains a small amount
of neurotoxin and may
cause problems if fed in
large quantities to
cattle over an extended
period of time. AC
Greenfix is not
recommended for horses
and pigs.
The USDA laboratory foam
formation test for bloat
potential indicates AC
Greenfix generated the
least foam among the 25
legumes tested. Research
involving grazing and
feeding is just
beginning, so caution
regarding animal
consumption is advised
until more data is
available
Planting
Very early spring
planting will yield the
best results. Root
development during cool
spring weather will
enable the plant to
benefit from winter
moisture and withstand
stress later.
Indications are that
this plant can usually
tolerate temperatures
that dip as low as 22-26
degrees F. Recommended
planting time would be
at or before oats are
seeded in your area.
Proper seed inoculation
is essential for
Nitrogen production.
Proper inoculation
increases legume growth
by as much as110%, water
use efficiency by 130%,
and reduces weed
populations. Use a
rhizobial inoculant
designated for field
peas or vetch.
Inoculants designated
for alfalfa, sweetclover,
or soybeans will not be
effective. Canadian
researchers recommend
using a high quality,
self-sticking peat
powder-type Rhizobium
leguminosarum inoculant
as used for peas and
lentils. (Call Dakota
Frontier Seeds for
further information.)
The large seed can be
planted in the top 3
inches.
Planting depth should be
determined by the
available moisture, soil
type, and protection
from possible freezing.
Seed should be covered
by at least one inch of
soil. Broadcasting is
not recommended. A
planting rate of 50-60
lbs/acre is recommended.
Many growers, especially
in drier areas, have
preferred to seed 60
lbs/acre.
Soil type, available
moisture, climate, and
intended use of the
growing crop will all be
determining factors.
Experimenting with
different seeding rates
will help determine what
is best for each
grower’s situation. For
planting equipment, use
a regular grain drill (a
soybean setting works
well), or an air seeder.
Avoid using equipment
that may damage the seed
since the seed is not
round and may become
chipped at the corners
allowing infection by
mold and other pathogens
to reduce germination.
Researchers
in North Dakota and Montana
have evaluated the forage
quality traits of AC
Greenfix 
