ALFALFA FOR SWINE 235 



thus; From the pigs having rape, $3.34; clover, $2.89; 

 blue grass, %Tf.2y; alfalfa, $2.59. 



Director Waters says: "The superiority of alfalfa 

 over red clover, as shown by this experiment, means a 

 difference, on the basis of a 250-poun(l hog. of 623^ 

 cents, or about ^T,y on each carload of hogs, or more 

 than enough to pay the freight, even if the yield of the 

 two crops is to be counted the same. Of more impor- 

 tance than the superiority of the feeding value itself is 

 the fact that the alfalfa will yield a much larger amount 

 of pasturage than will red clover, and that it will come 

 on earlier and remain green later than the clover, and 

 will, if kept clipped, remain green throughout the sum- 

 mer and, therefore, aft'ord a green pasture of succulent 

 material which the hogs will relish most highly. It is 

 believed to be possible to grow enough alfalfa for hog 

 ])asture at least on practically every farm in Missouri. 



"It is not safe or even desirable, however, to rely upon 

 a single crop, excepting alfalfa where it is an assured 

 success, to furnish pasture for hogs throughout the en- 

 tire season. It is better to arrange for a succession of 

 pastures from the beginning of the season until the hogs 

 are ready for market, making the feed richer and more 

 concentrated toward the close of the season and as we 

 approach the finishing or fattening period. For this 

 purpose red clover or alfalfa, cowpeas and soy beans are 

 recommended." 



One of the greatest advantages of alfalfa as a hog 

 pasture is the fact that it affords a fresh growth through- 

 out the grazing season. The pasture should be mowed 

 at least three times each season, thus taking off all the 



