Controlled field trials with legume-cereal mixtures and monocultures were conducted on five organic farms in CR, to determine the suitability for feeding ruminants. Mixtures of 60% peas to 40% cereals (wheat and barley) were compared with peas, wheat, and barley monocultures. The obtained results are useful to assess how mixtures may be included in animal feed rations. For feeding beef cattle, it is most beneficial to harvest green matter in the BBCH 79 growth phase (green ripeness), which is characterized by a higher protein and energy content and a lower fiber content. Advantageous crop for beef cattle appeared to be the mixture with peas and barley, because the crude protein and NEL contents come the closest to the requirements for a balanced state between breakdown and synthesis in the rumen (CP 130 g kg -1, NEL 5.9 MJ kg -1 DM). The results support that legume-cereal intercropping is a feasible technology to produce high quality feed on organic farms, which may provide animals with good health, and potential to utilize their genetic capacity for growth and production.
