FORAGE CROPS THAT MAKE GOOD 



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How much grain will an acre of alfalfa save 1 



In 1916 we fed six groups of pigs, 5 on alfalfa and 1 in drylot, 

 as per the following tabulated presentation : 



The Self -Fed "Free-Choice" Pigs on Alfalfa Pasture* 



Animal Husbandry Section Results Iowa Experiment Station Growing and Fattening 



2 % Months Old Pigs. 



Initial weight 55 pounds final weight 225 pounds feeding period began July 6th 

 all limited groups hand-fed twice daily. 



*Work done by Eward and Dunn. 



Note particularly that alfalfa saved considerable tankage or, 

 instead of taking 50.6 pounds, as it did in drylot for each 100 

 pounds of gain, it took only 31.65 pounds where alfalfa was used; 

 thus saving practically 19 pounds of tankage on each 100 pounds 

 of gain made, by simply allowing the pigs access to alfalfa, as 

 compared to keeping them in a drylot, this being where ample corn 

 and meatmeal tankage are self -fed in separate feeders, ' ' free-choice ' ' 

 style. Note also that less corn was required, practically 12 pounds 

 less on each 100 pounds of gain. 



Feed Saved By Using Alfalfa. In figuring this on the basis of 

 pasturage used, which amounted to .018 acres or 18/1000 or 

 9/500 of an acre for each 100 pounds of gain (the acreage charge 

 was determined by dividing the area by the number of 100 pounds 

 of gain that they put on), we find that the acre of alfalfa saved, in 

 round numbers, 639 pounds of corn plus 1050 pounds of meatmeal 

 tankage. Crediting the corn at $1.50 a bushel and the tankage at 

 $100.00 a ton, the alfalfa replaced $69.63 worth of these high-priced 

 feeds. This is a splendid showing, and demonstrates what alfalfa 



