228 FORAGE CHOPS 



with fifty pounds of alfalfa per day may consist 

 of about six pounds per day of a mixture of three 

 pounds each of wheat bran, dried brewers' grains 

 and corn meal. When large quantities of alfalfa 

 are available as forage, the quantity used per day 

 may be increased, thus reducing the necessity for 

 feeds ; and such feeds as are used may be richer 

 in carbohydrates, as, for example, corn meal. 



Alfalfa as a hay crop 



When desired for hay, alfalfa should be cut 

 when budded, or just before full bloom, as it con- 

 tains more nutriment at this time; besides, it is 

 better for the subsequent crops to cut the plant 

 before it is in full bloom. 



The value of the hay depends much on the 

 method or care used in curing it. Alfalfa cannot 

 be cured as hay is usually handled. After cut- 

 ting, it should be allowed to lie in the swath only 

 long enough to become well wilted, when it should 

 be raked into windrows, where it may be left a 

 few hours before putting into cocks. The hay 

 should be allowed to remain in the cocks until 

 practically cured, which usually requires two or 

 three days. Then it may be thrown out, dried 

 with three or four hours' sun, and hauled to the 

 barn without further handling. It is desirable to 

 use hay caps in unfavorable weather, as water 



