Some Results Obtained in Belgium on Growth, Yield and Quality of Vicia Faba Harvested in Grain or for Whole Crop Silage

Since 1978, trials on field beans have been set up in two sites in Belgium. Grain yield comparison between varieties shows Maxime and Exelle to be superior for both yield and yield stability. When harvested green, Maxime, Exelle and Maris Bead have given yields between 8 and 14.5 tons of D.M./ha with crude protein contents of about 16%. Nutritive values before ensiling were about 725 VEM/kg D.M. and the silage assessments were good. Chemical composition of the silage is given with and without addition of formic acid whose use is recommended. In that case, the average nutritive values after ensiling determined using sheep were about 700 VEM/kg D.M. and 100 g DCP/kg D.M. Digestibility for dry matter and organic matter were respectively 58% and 61%; dry matter intake averages 65 g D.M./kg W0.75.