296 BEGINNINGS IN ANIMAL HUSBANDRY 



of the country. Alfalfa makes fine pasturage, especially for 

 sheep and hogs, but it is not generally used for this purpose. 

 It is undesirable to pasture it much, as heavy trampling 

 injures the crowns of the roots. Neither should it be pas- 

 tured very closely. A combination of alfalfa pasture and 

 corn makes a splendid ration. When sheep or hogs are 

 turned on this pasture, they should first have a good fill of 

 hay, and should be kept constantly on the green feed from 

 then on, by which method, bloat will be prevented. When 

 made into hay, the plants should be cut at about the time 





Rgi 157. A field of alfalfa hay at Ohio State University. Photograph by the 



author. 



new shoots begin to appear about the crown of the root, and 

 when the buds are beginning to open. The plant should be 

 cured so as to hold as much bright green leaf as possible. 

 As hay, this plant is unsurpassed. It is suited to horses, 

 cattle, sheep, and hogs. All these animals like it, and do 

 well on it. Corn is one of the best feeds to give with it. In 

 the West, large numbers of sheep are fattened on corn and 

 alfalfa. Brood sows do well on alfalfa hay and a little corn. 

 This plant is one of the most valuable feeds used today on 

 the stock farm. 



