Fundamentals of Alfalfa Quality
نویسندگان
چکیده
Attaining high-quality alfalfa hay is a critical aspect of profitability for alfalfa and animal productivity. Attributes of quality include energy, voluntary intake, CP, fiber and minerals. Forage quality has many attributes and should be evaluated through laboratory measurements and subjective observations such as odor mold and weed content. Measurements of plant cell wall (NDF), as well as ADF, CP and ash are the most useful measurements for routine analysis, with additional analyses required for specific purposes. Interpreting the laboratory analyses themselves, as well as calculated values such as TDN, ME and NE is important in understanding laboratory results. Alfalfa growers who invest the time to understand quality factors in cattle performance benefit by their improved ability to successfully market their alfalfa hay at high prices.
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