Alfalfa on Butler Valley
Alfalfa grown in Bouse, Arizona
Cut early November 2000
Alfalfa
Research on the effect of Agri-Gro on alfalfa production
Treatments:
The grower’s standard fertilizer program was used on both plots with Agri-Gro added to one
and Humic Acid added to the other.
Application:
Humic Acid applied
Crude Protein = 16.9, ADF = 38.5. NDF = 43.7, RFV = 125.4
Agri-Gro applied
Crude Protein = 20.8, ADF = 29.4, NDF = 34.2, RFV = 179.6
Guide to Forage Measurements:
• Acid Detergent Fiber (ADF) — least digestible parts of the plant, lower ADF is desired.
• Neutral Detergent Fiber (NDF) — gives bulk to the diet and limits intake, low NDF is
usually desired.
• Digestible Dry Matter (DDM) — estimates the percentage of forage that is digestible.
It is calculated from ADF using the equation: DDM (%) = 88.9 - [ADF (%) x 0.779]
• Dry Matter Intake (DMI) — estimates the maximum amount of forage dry matter a cow
will eat. It is expressed as a percent of body weight and is calculated from NDF using
the equation: DMI = 120, NDF.
• Relative Feed Value (RFV) — combines digestibility and intake into one number to
evaluate the quality of hay. RFV = [DDM x DMI], 1.29
Relationships among several estimators of alfalfa quality and suggested livestock uses as
determined by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
*Requires supplementation with higher quality (energy) feeds as well as possibly other nutrients
for most animals. This quality hay could be fed to dry beef cows under some circumstances.
Following are documented forage test results from three successive treatments using the
Agri-Gro program on the Bill Miller farm in Burr, Nebraska during May 1997.
Results from 1998 forage analysis of fifth cutting alfalfa using a total Agri-Gro program in
Doniphan, Missouri.
[ BACK TO MAIN FIELD RESEARCH ]
Complete details on all mentioned test results are available upon request. Timing and rates
of application are important for maximum results. For specific usage and application rates,
ask for Agri-Gro grower information sheets.