Dehydration of alfalfa, compared with natural drying (hay), reduces the loss of nutritional value (leaves, protein, vitamins) and the risks of contamination from soil, while avoiding moisture from rain or dew that would increase microbial pollution.
Alfalfa contains about 50% of cell wall and a balanced fiber composition (8% pectin, 10% hemicellulose, 25% cellulose and 7% lignin). Therefore, it ensures rapid digestive transit, a significant amount of soluble fiber and a high tampon effect. This, along with its high palatability, makes alfalfa a choice ingredient in feed for high production cows.
The content of Crude Protein (CP) largely determines its market value. The earlier it is collected, the lower the production of Dry Matter (DM) per hectare. On the other hand, the higher the nutritive quality as the proportion of leaves over stems increases.
It is estimated that CP is a good indicator of its energy value, so that an increase of one percentage unit of CP over dry matter represents an increase of 0.03 UFL (Net Energy for Lactation).
Alfalfa is a good source of macro-minerals (calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, chlorine), trace elements (zinc, copper, iron), vitamins (fat soluble, group B) and pigments.
Phosphorus, found in alfalfa, is highly available to monogastric animals, hence its importance in the diet. However, depending on the degree of contamination present in alfalfa, the iron content will vary.
Potassium, another very important element in feeding livestock, has a direct relationship with the fertilization level of the soil. Thus, if the crop has no shortage of nutrients, we will have a high quality forage for livestock, bringing all the necessary nutrients, especially potassium.
Another important nutrient for livestock are xanthophylls. This carotene varies its content depending on the degree of drying. Depending on the degree of drying that the raw material is subjected to, xanthophylls will show varying degrees of efficacy. Thus, the carotenoids of alfalfa show an efficacy of around 35-75% over the efficacy of carotenoids of corn.
