228 FORAGE CROPS 
with fifty pounds of alfalfa per day may consist 
of about six pounds per day of a mixture of three 
pounds each of wheat bran, dried brewers’ grains 
and corn meal. When large quantities of alfalfa 
are available as forage, the quantity used per day 
may be increased, thus reducing the necessity for 
feeds; and such feeds as are used may be richer 
in carbohydrates, as, for example, corn meal. 
Alfalfa as a hay crop 
When desired for hay, alfalfa should be cut 
when budded, or just before full bloom, as it con- 
tains more nutriment at this time; besides, it is 
better for the subsequent crops to cut the plant 
before it is in full bloom. 
The value of the hay depends much on the 
method or care used in curing it. Alfalfa cannot 
be cured as hay is usually handled. After cut- 
ting, it should be allowed to lie in the swath only 
long enough to become well wilted, when it should 
be raked into windrows, where it may be left a 
few hours before putting into cocks. The hay 
should be allowed to remain in the cocks until 
practically cured, which usually requires two or 
three days. Then it may be thrown out, dried 
with three or four hours’ sun, and hauled to the 
barn without further handling. It is desirable to 
use hay caps in unfavorable weather, as water 
