Start Date
2-23-1995 11:15 AM
Description
Alfalfa forage use has increased in all classes of livestock - dairy, beef, horses, sheep, and swine - during the last 40 years. The highest utilization of alfalfa by livestock is found in dairy cattle diets. Additionally, the use of alfalfa as a grazing crop has also undergone a considerable increase with the use of new grazing management techniques and the development of new grazing varieties.
Alfalfa's strength as a forage crop is its high nutritional value. Alfalfa is higher in protein, minerals, and net energy than grasses and small grains. High quality alfalfa also helps to promote intake, especially as long-stemmed hay, because of its influence on increasing saliva flow.
Included in
Role of Alfalfa in Animal Diets
Alfalfa forage use has increased in all classes of livestock - dairy, beef, horses, sheep, and swine - during the last 40 years. The highest utilization of alfalfa by livestock is found in dairy cattle diets. Additionally, the use of alfalfa as a grazing crop has also undergone a considerable increase with the use of new grazing management techniques and the development of new grazing varieties.
Alfalfa's strength as a forage crop is its high nutritional value. Alfalfa is higher in protein, minerals, and net energy than grasses and small grains. High quality alfalfa also helps to promote intake, especially as long-stemmed hay, because of its influence on increasing saliva flow.