Feedstuff Discovery - Alfalfa

Alfalfa

• High quality, cool season perennial legume with an extensive root system that makes it drought resistant.
• Can grow to heights of 2 to 3 feet.
• Grows best in hot, dry climates in soils that are deep, fertile, and well drained.
• As a pasture forage it is not very tolerant to continuous grazing ruminants.
• As hay it is very palatable, high in protein, and excellent for general feeding puroses.
• Annual yields = 3-6 tons DM/acre

Average Nutrient Content

• Ruminant TDN = 55-60%
• Crude Protein = 15-25%

Physical Description - erect growing with many leafy stems arising from large crowns at solid surface; compound leaves with three long, narrow leaflets, no prominent watermark or V-shaped pattern, and serrated only at tip; can have purple or yellow flowers.