DLF Alfalfa performs at its best in combination with grass

    A seed mixture containing DLF Alfalfa and grasses is a good choice for farm profitability.

    • Improves the feed value through an optimal mix of energy and protein
    • Makes it easier to conserve as silage, and exploit for grazing
    • Offers more reliable feed production during dry periods

    Better feed value from grass and DLF Alfalfa

    Protein content

    The dry-matter protein content of DLF Alfalfa is up to 20%. In grasses it is 10% to 12%. By mixing the two, you can increase protein content in your forage by 1% and 5%.

    Sugar content

    Grasses have the highest dry-matter sugar levels and sugar content in DLF Alfalfa somewhat lower. When you mix the two, you achieve a sugar content that is roughly midway between the two.

    Feed value

    The dry-matter feed value from DLF Alfalfa-and-grass forage is 165 g protein/kg, and its energy is 0,85 UFL/kg (UFL = unité fourragère lait = milk feeding units). Pure grasses have a slightly higher energy value of 0,88 UFL/kg, but are a much lower protein source at 113 g/kg.

    Research carried out by DLF showed how various combinations of DLF Alfalfa and Festulolium (Festuca and Lolium types) altered the yield of dry matter, its protein content, and its digestibility:

    More milk from forage

    Source: DLF R&D trial network
      DLF Alfalfa
    Daisy    		 Festulolium
    Perun    		 50% Perun
    50% Daisy    		 Festulolium
    Hykor    		 50% Hykor
    50% Daisy
    Yield, Ton DM/ha 9,5 14,5 14,4 13,6 12,7
    % Protein in DM 19,7 11,4 17,9 11,9 16,8
    % Digestible Organic Matter 70,0 74,9 72,7 70,1 67,0

     

    Silage characteristics of maize, grass, and DLF Alfalfa

    Characteristics and how to improve the diet
    Feeding source Main characteristics How to improve the diet
    Maize High energy concentration (carbohydrates - mainly starch) Low protein content and cell wall content (NDF) Protein - soya concentrates, legumes. Fibre especially NDF- grass. DLF Alfalfa, straw
    Perennial grass-legume mixtures High content of fibre (NDF) and protein (legumes in particular)
    Medium energy concentration    		 Energy-maize silage. grain concentrates Eventually more protein
    DLF  Very high content of protein
    Low energy concentration, low silage coefficient    		 Energy - Maize silage, grain concentrates Silage additives

     

    DLF Alfalfa is a more reliable feed source during dry periods

    During spring and summer droughts, the dry-matter yield from grass-and-alfalfa seed mixtures can be up to four times higher than from grass-only mixtures.

    A recent Belgian study (presented by Knoden, Hautot, Decamps at Journées AFPF – Paris 21–22 March 2016, showed how the addition of alfalfa to grass-seed mixtures altered the yield in three locations. They analysed the harvests from three years and found that fields with alfalfa produced significantly more feed in all but one location. The site that showed no advantage was the one that enjoyed sufficient rainfall throughout the growing period.

    Grassland legumes boost milk production

    Comparison of digestibility, intake, and milk production
      Pure ryegrass Red Clover/
    Grass    		 White Clover/
    Grass    		 Lucerne
    Digestibility DM 72 69 72 64
    Silage intake kg DM/cow/day 11.4 12.9 13,2 13.6
    Kg milk/cow/day 26.5 31.0 30.7 29.3

    Comparison of digestibility, intake, and milk production (kg Energy Corrected Milk) per cow per day for silage made from pure ryegrass, red and white clover-and-grass mixtures, and alfalfa. Dewhurst, 2003.

    DLF Alfalfa improves farm self-sufficiency

    The tables below show the effect on protein and energy production by introducing 10 hectares of DLF Alfalfa into the rotation.

    Autonomy with and without alfalfa

    for Protein and Energy needs
    % Autonomy Protein Energy
    Without Alfalfa 15 40
    With Alfalfa 30 61

     

    Hectares on the farm before and after introducing 10 ha alfalfa

    Source: A. Uijttewaal, Y. Carel, S. Battegay*
    Hectares Before After
    Alfalfa 0 10
    Oilseed/cereals 75 76
    Silage maize 47 36
    Grassland 53 53
    Total 175 175

    *ARVALIS-Institut du Végétal. Journées AFPF – March 2016

    Research shows that alfalfa reduces feeding costs

    Surveys undertaken in France show how the introduction of a small percentage of alfalfa cuts feeding costs. The average saving was 6€/1000L; survey results ranged from 0€ to 12€/1000 L milk.

    Nine projects introducing alfalfa in the forage ration to reduce feeding cost

    Published by Institut de l’Elévage 2011 “Les réseaux d’élévage”
    Title: "Introduction de luzerne dans le système fourrager"
    Region of France System Area (and % of total) containing alfalfa Economic impact
    Landes Milk+ sales crops 5 ha (8%) + 4 € /1000L
    Haute Marne Milk+ sales crops 8,8 ha (4%) + 12€ /1000L
    Cher Milk+ sales crops 8 ha (4%) + 10€ /1000L
    Loiret Milk+ sales crops 2 ha (1%) + 5 € /1000L
    Indre et Loire Milk+ sales crops 8 ha (4%) + 11 € /1000L
    Nord Milk+ sales crops 5 ha (5%) + 3-5 € /1000L
    Loire- Atlantique Specialised milk 4,5 ha (6%) + 0 € /1000L
    Marne Milk+beef+ sales crops 17,5 ha (5%) + 9 € /1000L
    Mayenne Milk+beef+ sales crops 3,5 ha (5%) + 6 € /1000L

     

    Click here to see the DLF alfalfa varieties.