A seed mixture containing DLF Alfalfa and grasses is a three in one solution:

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

With alfalfa-grass mixtures you get

Increased protein content

The dry-matter protein content of DLF Alfalfa is up to 20%. In grasses it is up to 14%. By mixing the two, you can increase protein content in your forage by 1-5%.

Decreased sugar content

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

Feed value of alfalfa-grass mixtures

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, protein content, and digestibility:

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.

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.

*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.

Click here to see the DLF alfalfa varieties.