DLF Alfalfa 3 DLF Alfalfa improves animal health & feed quality DLF Alfalfa has a high feed-conversion rate and excellent nutritional value. It provides beef and dairy herds with essential fibres for rumen function, together with the vital protein they need. DLF Alfalfa also contains tannins that limit protein degradation, as well as essential amino acids, micro-elements, and vitamins. This rich nutrient content produces more tender meat, milk with increased levels of omega-3 fatty acids, and healthier animals. Drought tolerance maintains feed production DLF Alfalfa’s deep rooting makes it highly drought-tolerant compared to other forage crops. During a dry season in temperate regions, the dry-matter yield from a DLF Alfalfa-plus- grass mixture is up to four times more than you would get from forage grass alone. Including DLF Alfalfa in the crop plan gives a financial advantage as it maintains stable feed production. No fertiliser costs DLF Alfalfa is a nitrogen-fixing legume and when grown together with grass there is no need to add nitrogen – it even reduces the need for nitrogen for the following crop. The DLF Alfalfa fixes 100% of the nitrogen needed and typically saves around 250-300 kg N/ha/year. This helps eliminate the environmental impact from associated production and transportation. +5% increase in subsequent crop yields DLF Alfalfa makes an excellent rotational crop due to its nitrogen-fixing ability. Its strong deep roots improve soil structure and increases the organic matter in the soil. With more nitrogen, better soil aeration and enhanced microbial life, an average yield improvement of around 5% in subsequent crops can be expected. Grow DLF Alfalfa for a valuable dehydration market Whether preserved as pellets or bales, dehydration conserves high-quality forage for a maximum yield. DLF Alfalfa varieties are well-suited for dehydration. They exhibit excellent standability, which is a vital feature for dehydration factories that have to move harvest machinery from farm to farm. The high nematode tolerance reduces the risk of contamination in the alfalfa dehydration growing areas, and the high protein content and digestion secure high quality animal feed. Gain more, spend less DLF Alfalfa is a perennial crop that lasts for three to five years, reducing the need for annual soil cultivation as soil preparation and sowing is only needed in the sowing year. DLF Alfalfa requires fewer pesticide treatments, often limited to weed control the first year. Soybean and rape cakes are produced with a much higher need for pesticides. Alfalfa for dehydration is generally grown via contract production in which harvests are planned and conducted by local factories. Dehydrated alfalfa is used in: • National markets for high-performing dairy cows, or for horses and other animals with special quality needs • International markets, such as Asia and the Middle East that lack forage for dairy production, or for horse feeding
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