Alfalfa - a regional protein source for all farm animals

The aim of the research reported here was to assess the potential of alfalfa as a local protein resource when fed to different species and at different life stages. A total of 236 samples was taken from a commercial drying plant to assess the variation in nutrients of alfalfa and to evaluate the influence of hot air drying on the feed value. Samples of fresh material were compared to end products (hay, pellets). No significant nutritional differences were detected between the end products and the fresh material. In a further part of the research, the nutrient profiles of the output of the fractionation of dried alfalfa (fine, medium, long) were examined. Crude protein (CP), lysine, methionine and UDP 5 (rumen undegradable protein, the respective UDP content in CP assuming a passage from the forestomach of 5 % per hour) were concentrated in the fine fraction which had a lower concentration of fibre. A high protein content in the fine fraction points to its use as a source of protein for pigs and poultry.Furthermore, supporting ecosystem services were considered and additional factors influencing the content of valuable nutrients were identified (cuttings, vegetation stage, saponins, variety). The results of this study serve as the basis for the development of a quality-differentiation concept for alfalfa to make use of the variation in nutrients for all farm animals and to demonstrate resulting synergy effects. It is concluded that alfalfa is a valuable feed resource. Due to the high quality in several samples of alfalfa, it can be assumed that it is not only suitable for ruminants but also as a feed component for monogastric animals. However, this applies only if the large variation found in both whole plants and in plant fractions is thoroughly considered and used as a starting point for a target-oriented application designed to best fit the corresponding requirements of farm animals.