INSPECTION OF COMMERCIAL FEEDSTUFFS 5 



CAROTENE CONTENT OF ALFALFA PRODUCTS 

 J. W. Kuzmeski and L. V. Crowley 



This is a report on the carotene and vitamin A content of alfalfa products 

 collected by our inspectors in December 1941 . Most of the samples are from 

 manufacturers' plant? located in Massachusetts where registered feeds are made 

 and retailed at the plant. 



On account of the rapid deterioration of carotene in alfalfa held in storage, 

 as much as 50 percent of the carotene may be lost in twelve months. A few 

 examinations made by other chemists indicate that as much as 10 percent may 

 be lost in transit from western states. 



While opinion differs, it is believed that alfalfa should carry at least 50,000 

 International Units of vitamin A per pound when introduced into a feed. Certain 

 feed manufacturers with definite methods of control set a much higher standard. 

 The carotene content of a feed will continue to decrease after the alfalfa is in- 

 corporated. The following suggestions are offered: 



1. Do not purchase requirements long in advance, especially during summer 

 months. 



2. Be assured of a high vitamin content at the time of shipping. The shipper 

 can guarantee the vitamin content then. After that the loss is dependent 

 upon the length of time in, and condition of storage. 



Carotene content is converted to its vitamin A equivalent in International 

 Units per pound by multiplying the parts per million of carotene by the factor 756. 



While Control Service can in no way take the place of a commercial laboratory, 

 it is prepared to make carotene assays of alfalfa products for those who have no 

 other means available at a cost of $2.00 per sample. Before submitting samples, 

 write for instructions. 



