A variety of measures including Relative Feed Value (RFV), Relative Feed Quality (RFQ) and Total Digestible Nutrients (TDN) have been used to set the value of alfalfa hay for sale. However, components or characteristics of alfalfa in addition to these measures may prove useful in determining the real market and feeding value of alfalfa compared to other feeds.

Two experiments were conducted using 2 ruminally and duodenally fistulated steers to determine the digestibility of undegradable intake protein (UIP) of smooth bromegrass (Bromis inermis), birdsfoot trefoil (Lotus coniculatus L.), and heat-treated alfalfa (Medicago sativa) using the mobile nylon bag technique. Undegradable intake protein was determined using neutral detergent insoluble CP at a ...

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) is one of the most widely cultivated perennial forage legumes worldwide. Fall dormancy is an adaptive character related to the biomass production and winter survival in alfalfa. The physiological, biochemical and molecular mechanisms causing fall dormancy and the related genes have not been well studied. In this study, we sequenced two standard varieties of alfalfa ...

The objective of this study was to test the hypothesis that serum biotin concentration and biotin balance (consumed - [urinary output + fecal output]) measured as total avidin-binding substances (biotin + biotin metabolites) are responsive to changes in the proportions of dietary alfalfa meal and concentrate fed to sheep. Eight sheep (initial BW = 40 kg) consumed a pelleted alfalfa meal-based d...

Roundup-Ready® alfalfa was released in June of 2005, the first trait to be commercialized in alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) using biotechnology. Traditional alfalfa varieties will likely be grown in close proximity to these new biotech varieties. While most users will probably not be sensitive to the presence of these varieties, other markets (particularly export and organic) will request hay tha...

A fully developed integrated pest management (IPM) system uses all available strategies for a given pest or pest complex in a cropping system; incorporating host plant resistance, biological, cultural and physical controls and chemical control when necessary (Pedigo, 1999). Several such management strategies have been developed in alfalfa for the potato leafhopper (Empoasca fabae) (PLH). The fi...

The interaction of maternal photoperiod history and four diets were tested by measuring body growth, reproductive development, and pelage development in 9-week-old juvenile meadow voles. Meadow vole dams were housed in long daylengths (LD; 14 h light/day), short daylengths for 2 weeks (SD; 10 h light/day), or short daylengths for 26 weeks (PR; photorefractory) prior to mating. Immediately follo...

We have performed several studies to determine the electrochemical properties of Cu(II) binding by alfalfa biomass using carbon paste alfalfa-modified electrodes. Experimental conditions such as alfalfa-carbon paste concentrations, solution pH, and metal preconcentration times were determined. Results of the electro-chemical studies have shown that an increase in response was observed by increa...

Five crossbred wethers (58 kg) fitted with cannulas in the rumen, duodenum, and ileum were used in a 5 x 5 Latin square design to study effects of feeding combinations of alkaline hydrogen peroxide-treated wheat straw (AHP-WS) and alfalfa hay at restricted intakes on site and extent of nutrient digestion. Additionally, flows and disappearance of N and amino acids (AA) in the small intestine wer...

management of a companion crop is critical to successful establishment of perennial forages (Albrecht and Hall, Weed control during alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) establishment is 1995). a primary concern of forage producers. Companion crops and clearWeed management is important for decreasing comseeding with an herbicide are commonly used methods for establishing alfalfa. This study evaluated an...