Titarro

Lathyrus cicera L

The titarro, also known as tito rojo, red pea or galgana, is a traditional rainfed legume in the Iberian Peninsula, increasingly valued both for its use in animal feed and for its advantages in crop rotation.

General characteristics

  • Scientific Name: Lathyrus cicera L.
  • Family: Fabaceae
  • Main uses: grain for animal feed, fodder in grain mix, cereal rotation

Nutritional value of the grain

Titarro grain is characterized by its high protein content and nutritional profile similar to other grain legumes.

protein
Component (MS base) Average value
Crude25–27%
Grease 1–1.3%
Carbohydrates ~56%
Fibre ~6%
Ashes ~3%

Use in animal feed

Titarro is an interesting source of protein, especially for ruminants. Its use must be adjusted according to species and processing.

Agronomic management

Soil and climate

  • Ideal in Mediterranean drylands
  • Resistant to drought and poor soils.

Sowing

  • Season: autumn-winter on the Plateau; spring in cold/wet areas.
  • Recommended density: 175–200 kg/ha (≈160–190 plants/m²) and in-line: 130–160 kg/ha (≈50 plants/m²).

Associations

  • Mix with barley, rye or triticale.
  • It provides nitrogen to the soil and the cereal acts as a stake.

Harvest

Mow when the pods are dry to prevent losses from dehiscence

Production and yields

  • Spain (trials and field): 1000–2,600 kg/ha.

It stands out for its stability in dry years, surpassing other legumes.

Advantages in rotation

  • Fixes atmospheric nitrogen.
  • Improves soil structure.
  • Reduces dependence on nitrogen fertilizers.
  • Increases forage protein in cereal mixes.

Conclusion

The titarro (Lathyrus cicera) is an interesting alternative in Mediterranean drylands, with high protein content, good adaptation to poor soils and drought, and safe applications in animal feed, especially sheep, if inclusion levels are respected and anti-nutritional factors are managed.

ESSEEDS - Mapa esseeds - Titarro (Lathyrus cicera L.) 1

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