104 TRANSACTIONS OF STATE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



In the East dairy authorities urge the feeding of more clover to get 

 all the nitrogen or protein possible, and then they have to feed 

 considerable grain. 



In Southern California the price of grain is so high as to make the 

 feeding of it quite a burden, and if we can find any cheaper feed that 

 will answer nearly as well we should do so, even if the results are not 

 quite so good. 



In alfalfa we have such a food, containing nearly twice the protein of 

 clover and a little more carbohydrates and fat. 



The following are the analyses: Clover hay, by Woll, 6.5 protein, 

 34.9 carbohydrates, and 1.6 fat. Alfalfa hay, by Jaffa, 12.2 protein, 

 36.2 carbohydrates, and 1.7 fat. 



A very good combination can be made by feeding alfalfa with the 

 grain hays, green or dry corn fodder, corn ensilage, beets and pumpkins, 

 and without buying grain. 



Chemists tell us that a balanced ration for a 1000-pound cow should 

 consist of 24 pounds of organic matter, 1\ pounds of protein. 12^ 

 pounds of carbohydrates, and 4 pounds of fat, or a ratio of 1:5.4. 



In alfalfa hay, according to Jaffa, we have a ratio of 1:3.3, or with 

 an exdess of protein, which is an advantage, as it takes the place of 

 bran, oil-cake meal, and cotton-seed meal. To bring the ratio up to 

 the standard, we can feed any of the other foods mentioned which may 

 be in season and the cheapest to obtain. 



At present we are feeding 20 pounds of alfalfa hay, 4 pounds of oat 

 hay, and 30 pounds of green corn fodder, with good results. This makes 

 a ratio of 1:4.6. This gives us an excess of protein, but as it is pro- 

 duced with cheap feeds it may be cheaper than to try to balance it with 

 more concentrated food, such as corn meal or barley. We have fed all 

 the feeds in combinations of two or three varieties at a time with far 

 more profit than by buying and feeding grain. We sometimes feed 

 corn when it can be had at a reasonable price. We grind corn and cob 

 together, which, with alfalfa, gives the best of results. 



Some of our dairymen feed alfalfa and bran, and claim good results, 

 but I think that if the same money was paid for corn, or feed meal 

 instead of bran, they would get still better results. 



Alfalfa hay and bran produce an excess of protein, and although that 

 excess is converted into carbohydrates, it is done at a greater expense 

 than by feeding carbonaceous foods. It will not require so much food to 

 produce the necessary carbohydrates. 



Milk produced by alfalfa hay is of the best quality, being well up in 

 solids and butter fats. 



Green alfalfa, either pastured or fed in an uncured state, while 

 making a good milk, gives it an objectionable flavor which most people 

 dislike. Alfalfa which is dry enough to go into the barn, imparts such 



