Many of us have heard that alfalfa is a plant classified as a fodder legume and has great nutritional contributions in the diet of some animals.
In addition, it is one of the plants used for the proper digestion of some ruminants.
But, in reality, how much do we know about forage alfalfa, what are its types, why is it considered an important source of vitamins and minerals, what is its real function? We invite you to know each of these facts below.
What is fodder alfalfa used for?
When we talk about a forage or fodder plant, we refer to that species of plant cultivated as a vegetative form, removing its seeds and fruits. Generally, this plant is cut and previously air-dried, in order to be able to supply the animals.
In this case, alfalfa is a kind of leguminous foliage plant, which is usually grown in different regions of Latin America with easy irrigation, due to its constant need for water.
Many of the dairy and meat production farms or companies have been developed on perennial crops of different pastures, especially alfalfa.
These curious systems are developed for the contribution of organic matter and nitrogen fixation in poorly fertilized soils, in addition to being considered one of the best foods for cows and horses.
Unfortunately, its consumption in humans is little known, but due to its high content of fiber, minerals, proteins and vitamins, it is considered a great nutritional element that provides various supplements to our body.
For example, vitamin D is responsible for regulating the amount of calcium that enters our bones, which can prevent rickets.
But one of the less known uses of alfalfa is its great potential to combat kidney problems, symptoms related to arthritis, fever, whooping cough and strengthening the immune system of the human being.
Cultivation period
Fodder alfalfa is usually cultivated during the spring and fall seasons, being able to obtain the first sprouts of this plant, in 60 to 65 days after the placement of the seed in the soil, during the first days of spring.
Then, it only remains to wait 30 to 35 consecutive days to obtain a new cutting, repeating this operation until the last days of autumn, since, at this time, alfalfa begins to prepare for the winter season.
Generally, during this season, producers usually harvest it in order to be able to develop their crops again next spring.
Alfalfa is not a crop that lasts for more than four consecutive years, as it tends to decline considerably in yield.
However, there are some of these crops that can yield up to 6 or 7 consecutive years.
Because of this, many producers plow and destroy their alfalfa crops after the end of the fourth year to rotate them with other cereals.
Main benefits for animals
Currently, alfalfa is known for its natural contribution of micro minerals, macronutrients and high quality vitamins to the bovine diet. In addition, when alfalfa is fed dry, we can observe the following benefits:
- Helps increase animal chewing and rumination.
- Increased saliva production.
- Facilitates the slowing down of feed traffic and consumption of other concentrates, such as cereals and proteins.
- Controls the levels of ruminal acidosis, which is one of the main causes of low PH in ruminants.
- Helps in the digestion process of the feed consumed by the animal.
- Increases milk production considerably.
Animals using fodder alfalfa
For many years, forage alfalfa has been supplied in the diet of livestock, swine, horses, sheep and poultry on farms, i.e. sheep, horses, chickens, cows, donkeys, bulls and rabbits.
Estimated price per ton
Each producing country has an estimated price for alfalfa sales in its country or internationally, which will vary according to world demand, harvests, production and storage of the crop.
When comparing the prices of the different presentations of fodder alfalfa in the market, we can observe a higher value or price, but due to its characteristics and nutritional values, it is worth its acquisition.
Characteristics of forage alfalfa
As mentioned above, alfalfa is a perennial plant belonging to the fodder legume, but it is also evergreen (retains its foliage longer) and erect, which can measure between 30 to 60 centimeters high.
It has a grayish green color, and some very characteristic features of the plant, such as:
- Its stem is erect and thin, which can support the weight of its leaves and inflorescences. They are extremely stable, making it an ideal plant for planting.
- The roots of this plant are mainly pivotal, long, robust and deep, with a large number of secondary roots, which allow it to absorb the minerals found on the surface.
- Its flowers grow in small clusters from the axils of its leaves. They are small, pale violet in color, similar to lavender, although on certain occasions they may appear white and red.
- The leaves have a trifoliate, oval shape, although their first leaves are usually unifoliolate. The upper edges have small serrations and the edges are smooth.
- Being a legume, its fruits do not open until they reach maturity when they release their yellowish seeds. They do not contain thorns.
- It can live up to five or twelve continuous years, depending on the type of climate and soil where it grows.
- It is an autotoxic plant, so the reproduction of its seed is usually considered a difficult task to achieve, therefore, it is recommended to rotate the planting with wheat, corn or other cereal.
- In countries with dry climates and high summer temperatures, it tends to reproduce more easily. Among these countries, Argentina and Spain stand out.
Types of forage alfalfa
So far, five varieties of forage alfalfa are known: Jupiter, Vía Láctea, San Miguelito, Atlixco and Cuf 101, which tend to have greater growth in spring and summer, as we will see below:
- San Miguelito: among its characteristics, it is resistant to different field conditions, has a great germinative power, has high levels of protein and palliatibility, also generates a large number of leaves per stem.
- Jupiter: this type is highly resistant to root rot, has abundant foliage, tolerates low temperatures and is one of the most productive alfalfas in Mexico.
- Atlixco: it has a medium growth, needs warm temperatures and fertile soils to grow properly. Unlike other varieties, it has an abusive and erect habit that can withstand low temperatures, its stem is light green and can easily resist different diseases.
- Milky Way: has high nutritional levels, being selected among the best for its crude protein content and dissolution in the digestive tract of the animal when dry. It can withstand cold temperatures without problem, reaching up to 35 centimeters or more in height.
- CUF-101: Unlike the other variants, it tends to grow all year round and resists several pests such as blue and green aphids, however, big frosts are its biggest problem. It has a small crown, shallow, but not recommended for grazing.
Conclusion
To conclude, forage alfalfa turns out to be one of the most important elements for the diet of sheep, pigs, horses, cows, bulls, donkeys and even some poultry found in farms of all countries, since it keeps their levels of ruminal acidosis under control and an active digestive system.
In addition, due to the wide variety of types of forage alfalfa, it can be grown in any season of the year.
But, if you want to know more about it, we invite you to contact our team to get better advice.
