794 IOWA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 



DANGER OF OVERPASTURING. 



On the other hand an alfalfa field must not be overpastured. As pre- 

 viously stated the plants lack creeping roots or stems by which to spread 

 and cannot fill in spots where the alfalfa has died. The close grazing, 

 especially of sheep, and the trampling of large numbers of animals, is 

 certain to injure the stand of alfalfa. While the pasturing of alfalfa 

 in the fall may do no harn, it must be remembered that in the warmer 

 portions of the country this season is one of recuperation for the alfalfa 

 plant. If not allowed to make some growth during this period it may not 

 be in condition to start up well the following spring. 



PASTURE FOR HOGS, HORSES AND POULTRY. 



Alfalfa is an ideal pasture plant for hogs. There is no danger from 

 bloat and with a limited number of hogs there is practically no injury to 

 the alfalfa field. Vigorous alfalfa will support 15 to 25 head of pigs per 

 acre. It is best to limit the number of pigs to that which will be 

 insufficient to keep down an alfalfa field. Cuttings of hay may then be 

 made at intervals and the growth thus rejuvenated. On the average pigs 

 weighing 30 to 60 pounds in the spring will make a gain of about 100 

 pounds each during the season. Although pigs may be grown and fat- 

 tened on alfalfa alone, it is best to combine the alfalfa with some kind of 

 grain ration. Alfalfa by itself it too rich in protein to give a balanced 

 ration. Where pigs are pastured upon alfalfa alone they may be prepared 

 for market by feeding for a few weeks on corn. It is still better, how- 

 eer, to feed a third to a half of a ration of corn or other grain during 

 the time of pasturing. 



The pasturing of hogs may be accomplished by having more than one 

 field into which the hogs may be turned. By pasturing these fields in 

 rotation the alfalfa is given a chance to start and a larger number of 

 hogs may be pastured without injury to the field. 



Alfalfa is frequently used as pasture for horses, although the 

 animals should not be confined too closely to this feed. Poultry do well 

 upon alfalfa, and it is recommended that a small patch be available to 

 them in all cases where this crop grows successfully. 



FORM AND COLOR AND ADULTERATION OF SEED. 



Alfalfa seeds resemble those of red clover in size, but differ in not 

 being so uniform in shape. The color should be a light olive-green 

 Darkened, shriveled and discolored seed should be discarded. On account 

 of the high price of alfalfa seed during the last two or three years 

 a considerable quantity has been imported from Europe. Many samples 

 of the imported seed have been found to be mixed with the seed of dod- 

 der, an enemy of alfalfa, which is described in a separate paragraph. 

 The commonest adulterants of alfalfa seed are the, seed of yellow trefoil 

 (Medicago lupulina) and bur clover (Madicago maculata and M. denticU' 

 lata.) The plants of yellow trefoil and bur clover are easily distinguish- 

 ed from alfalfa by their smaller size and their yellow flowers. It is not 



