Feeding value
Valuable source of protein. A typical analysis of the cut material prior to ensiling is: crude protein, 16-20%; DOMD, i.e. proportion of digestible organic matter in the dry matter 60-65%; and metabolizable energy (ME), 10.0-10.5 MJ/kg DM. Delay in harvesting beyond the flat pod stage results in reduced digestibility and overall feeding value. Conversely, earlier harvesting gives a high-quality forage but at the expense of production. Arable silage will generally have lower crude protein (10-14%), DOMD (58-63%) and ME (9.0-10.0) though these values can be higher depending on the pea cultivar chosen and its contribution but also on the cereal species and cultivar, particularly its straw length, a long length being advantageous.
Acceptability
Highly acceptable forage with good intake characteristics. Growing lambs of 9-10 months old had a daily intake of 58 g/kg LW0.75 compared with 44 g for a medium-quality grass silage, though less than lucerne (71g) of equivalent digestibility (Fraser et al., 2000). Wether sheep consumed 61.3-73.0 g/kg LW0.75 of freshly cut forage peas but intake of pea silage was less at 55.2-66.5 g/kg LW0.75 (Kirilov, 1997).
Anti-quality factors
Possible risk of bloat when grazed but risk is probably lessened by the presence in the forage of condensed tannins the levels of which can vary appreciably.
Grazing
Can be grazed by a range of livestock, e.g. dairy cows. Should be strip-grazed to avoid wastage. Zero grazing is possible but avoidance of soil contamination of the forage when cutting is important.