Cultivation

Forage value of alfalfa

Medicago sativa L.

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) is a highly productive perennial crop with a high content of plant protein, minerals, and vitamins, used as a primary component in balanced diets for livestock.

In the reference 219 varieties crop Alfalfa, where this is mentioned in the description.

The nutritional value of alfalfa is determined by its protein content, which reaches 22% during the budding phase, allowing it to be used as a full-fledged substitute for expensive oilseed meals. Harvesting in later stages leads to a decrease in protein levels and an increase in fiber and lignin content, which negatively impacts forage digestibility.

The biological characteristics of alfalfa include the ability to yield 3–4 cuttings per season and the capacity to maintain productivity in one location for up to 6 years. Due to a robust root system reaching depths of up to 10 meters, the crop provides a stable dry matter yield even during drought periods.

In ruminant diets, fresh alfalfa forage effectively complements corn silage to balance carbohydrates and protein. However, the crop has high environmental requirements; it is sensitive to soil acidity and grows optimally at a pH of 6.0–7.0.

General information about the subject — on the page Forage purpose.

Sources8

Varieties of Alfalfa mentioned in the description

Selection based on the description text, not on official evaluation: these data are absent from registers. For specific variety details, please refer to its profile.