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1415
Evaluation of five cool season grasses and alfalfa-grass mixtures
Our increased knowledge of NDF digestibility has shown a benefit to feeding grasses in ruminant diets. However, data on the yield and nutrient analysis of alfalfa/grass mixtures with modern grass varieties and harvest management are lacking. The objective of this study was to determine the yield and nutritional value of selected alfalfa-grass mixtures and grass monocultures.
At two MN locations, plots of grasses alone, alfalfa alone, and alfalfa-grass mixtures were planted using a forage plot seeder. Four randomized replications were planted of all plot variables. Each location was seeded with one alfalfa (A) variety and each of five grass species. Grass species included smooth brome (SB), meadow brome (MB), orchard (OG), tall fescue (TF), and meadow fescue (MF). Forage samples were sent to Dairyland Laboratories, St. Cloud, MN and analyzed by NIRS for DM, CP, NDF, and TDN. Data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS. Independent variables for analyses were the fixed effects forage, and replicate was a random effect.
Nutrient analysis for Otter Tail forage showed no significant differences for CP, NDF or NDFD30 for any of the forage species or mixtures evaluated. However, at Lanesboro, the mixture of A x MF x MB was significantly higher (p<.05) in CP than the mixture of A x MF and A or MF in pure stands. NDF tended to be higher in pure grass but was significantly lower (p<.05) in the A x MF x MB mixed stand. In conclusion, high quality alfalfa/ grass forage can compare favorably with alfalfa for both yield and nutrient analysis.
Keywords: alfalfa, grasses, meadow fescue, forage.