Health aspects of alfalfa (Medicago sativa) grazing management

Abstract

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) is a perennial legume with high productive potential of excellent nutritional quality, persistent with good management, and with the ability to tolerate dry periods due to the characteristics of its root. The high soluble protein content and the low level of effective fiber produce a fast digestive transit, with high digestibility that finally translates into better levels of food intake and productive performance of the animal. The costs of establishing the crop, the high crude protein content, which leads to an energy cost in the cow due to urinary nitrogen excretion, and the higher incidence of frothy bloat are linked to alfalfa management difficulties(1).