Turnip Analysis

ELDON COLE

MT. VERNON, MO.
   A lot of turnip seed was scattered back in August on row crop land as well as pasture ground. I had a call this week asking about the nutrient values of both the leafy tops and the root or bulbs. I checked on the book values and the leaves are listed at 18 percent dry matter, total digestible nutrient (TDN) 68 percent and crude protein 18 percent. The bulb runs 9 percent dry matter, 86 percent TDN and the protein is 12 percent.
   For comparison purposes fresh fall fescue grazed material runs in the mid-20’s on dry matter, around 65 percent TDN and the protein usually runs to 20 percent protein, depending on how much nitrogen fertilizer had been applied.∆
   ELDON COLE: Extension Livestock Specialist, University of Missouri