Forage Pearl Millet

Agdex#:	126
Publication Date:	08/98
Order#:	98-045
Last Reviewed:	05/02
History:
Written by:	Scott Banks - Soil & Crop Advisor/OMAF; Terry Stewart - Livestock Advisor/OMAF

Table of Contents

1. General
2. Seeding
3. Fertilizer
4. Weed Control
5. Harvesting
6. Feeding
7. Conclusion 
   

General

Pearl Millet, like Japanese Millet, Sorghum or Sorghum-sudan grass, is an annual, semi-arid tropical grass plant grown for grain and forages in the southern U.S. and in areas of Africa and Asia. Until recently, there were no varieties of Pearl Millet that could be grown under Ontario conditions. Agricultural & Environmental Renewal Canada Inc. (AERC) began a breeding program in 1994 to develop suitable varieties for Eastern Canada. The hybrid FMH2 Pearl Millet (referred to as Pearl Millet in this paper) has the ability to produce high yields over a relatively short growing season. The minimum growing season requires 60 to 65 days to first 1cut. The table below gives the forage yield and quality of the FMH2 Pearl Millet hybrid as compared with Sudan grass hybrid and Japanese Millet from research conducted in Southwestern and Eastern Ontario and Southern Quebec in 1996.

Although yields are similar to Sudan grass, Pearl Millet has slightly higher feeding value as compared to Sudan grass or Japanese Millet. Pearl Millet tends to have a smaller stem than Sorghum grasses. As with any forage, stage of cutting will impact on the quality. It can be used for fresh fodder, pasture, silage and even hay, when properly conditioned. Unlike Sorghums, Pearl Millet does not produce prussic acid.

Nitrate poisoning has not found to be a problem unless nitrogen rates are in excess of 250 kilograms/hectare (225 pounds/acre). Conditions for Nitrate poisoning and formation of toxic silo gas is only a problem when under a combination of abnormal growing conditions such as:

1. High N fertilization caused by heavy N or manure applications or following legume plowdown
2. Prolonged drought followed by rain
3. Any condition which kills the leaves while the roots and stems remain active, will initiate the accumulation of nitrates (frost, hail, grazing and trampling, or sometimes drought and overcast weather).

Research is ongoing to determine the best agronomic recommendations for Pearl Millet. To date, the following agronomic recommendations are from the seed company (AERC ) and some observations from Eastern Ontario farmers.

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Seeding

Pearl Millet is very sensitive to frost, therefore should not be planted early. Soil temperatures should be 12 degrees °C. Stands should be planted in the last week of May or the first week in June when soil temperatures reach 12 to 15 °C to ensure 2 cuts. If planted before the last week of July, one cut is possible. Plant in a well prepared, moist, firm seed bed in 35 cm (14 inch) rows, drilled at 1.25 cm (½ inch) depth at a seeding rate of 5.5 kilograms per hectare (5 pounds/acre). The seed is very small in size and to seed at the low recommended rate, it may be better to seed through the grass seed box than the grain drill box. It takes about 5 days to germinate and emerge. It starts off yellow and stays this colour for 8 to 10 days. It will stay at the 15 cm (6 inch) height for about 2 weeks, then begins growing rapidly. Pearl Millet has a great ability to tiller and 12 to 15 tillers per plant are common.

Fertilizer

Fertilize according to soil fertility levels. As a general guide, apply 70% of your corn fertilizer recommended rates. The phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) and half the total nitrogen rate should be applied at planting and the other half of the nitrogen should be applied after first cut.

Weed Control

Harrowing just prior to planting and establishing a good stand will help to control the weeds. Currently, there are no herbicides registered for use on Pearl Millet. Research trials are looking at possible herbicides.

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Harvesting

Pearl Millet can be harvested using conventional forage equipment, in the same way as other summer annual grasses. First cut should be taken when the plant reaches 90 cm (3 feet) height to obtain optimum quality and to ensure a second cut. First cut is usually at 60 to 65 days after planting. Second cut will be 30 to 35 days after first cut. Pearl Millet has shown good re-growth after cutting, but does not appear to withstand trampling. To ensure proper regrowth, leave 15 to 20 cm (6-8 inches) of stubble after first cut.

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Feeding

Pearl Millet has higher crude protein (CP) levels than corn silage, but it has lower energy content. Feeding trials of Pearl Millet were conducted at the University of Guelph, Kemptville College by Paul Sharpe in 1996/97 using Holstein Steers. A ration of Pearl Millet silage as compared to a control ration of grass haylage and corn silage plus some supplement. In general, the results show that Pearl Millet silage can be included in a ration as up to 60% of the dry matter to give optimum performance. This is partially due to the crude protein and/or total digestible nutrients (TDN) levels in the rations. As a precaution, it is recommended to do a forage analysis of the Pearl Millet silage and use it to balanced the ration to meet the requirements of the animals. Studies on Pearl Millet silage are continuing to determine its suitability for various classes of livestock.

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Conclusion

The variety FMH2 hybrid Pearl Millet was developed through selection under Southwestern and Eastern Ontario and Southern Quebec conditions. While it has the ability to produce good forage yields similar to other warm season annual grasses, corn silage can produce higher yields. The main factors that will determine the yield are planting date, length of growing season, timing of harvest and the season’s growing conditions. To determine if Pearl Millet should be grown in your area, a grower will need to remember that it takes approximately 60 to 65 days after seeding to reach the optimum cutting height of 90cm (3 feet). Soil temperatures of at least 12 °C are required to germinate and the optimum growing temperature is 28 °C. Research is continuing to look at the best agronomic practices of variety selection, fertilizer rates, weed control and harvesting. 

Pearl Millet may be a better alternative to corn silage, depending on several factors:

1. if a grower does not have the planting and harvesting equipment for corn silage, but has his/her own haying equipment
2. the limited availability of custom operators
3. land costs, etc.

Producers must also consider how Forage Pearl Millet will compliment other available feeds to meet their livestock’s nutritional requirements.

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