272 PRINCIPLES OF FEEDING FARM ANIMALS 



it will 1)0 profitiiblc to cut down the grain ration and make, 

 them eat more clover. In general, the greatest economy 

 of forage for hogs is brought about when they arc fed from 

 one-half to two-thirds of a full-feed of grain in addition to 

 the pasture. The number of hogs that may be kept on an 

 acre of clover will depend on the abundance of the forage and 

 the size of the hogs, ])ut in general eight to twelve head may 

 be used on good clover. 



Alfalfa, although probably the most valual^lc hay, is not 

 adapted to heavy pasturing, especially in the corn-belt, as a 

 little tramping soon kills it. However, if one pasture^ it 

 only lightly, the results are nearly as bad, as the top of the 

 plant must be removed when the little shoots come at the 

 base of the plant in order for it to make a satisfactory growth. 

 Probably the most successful way to pasture alfalfa is to 

 turn a comparatively small number of animals into a field 

 of it and then cut it for hay when the shoots come up at the 

 base of the plant. In this- way, not much is tramped out, as 

 the animals ordinarily will travel in run-ways and eat only 

 along the edges of these run-ways. The alfalfa is then cut 

 for hay when the shoots appear at the base. Alfalfa is 

 much better for soiling than for pasture. Green alfalfa, 

 especially when wet, has a very decided tendency to cause 

 bloat. Hence considerable care should l^c exercised in its 

 use. 



Alfalfa pasture is excellent for cattle and sheep of all 

 kinds. The trouble is that, unless the precautions mentioned 

 above are taken, the stock are not good for the alfalfa. There 

 is perhaps no forage crop which will produce as much pork 

 per acre as alfalfa. Many breeders report that brood mares 

 are difficult to get in foal when turned on alfalfa pasture. 



