What are we talking about when we reference alfalfa for animal nutrition.
They are evergreen, mostly erect to suberect, reaching a size of 30-60 cm in height, pubescent to subgroups. Leaflets 5-20 mm long, 3-10 mm wide, obovate to sublinear, dentate at apex, appressed pubescent; whole or serrated at the base. Inflorescence in a pedunculated cluster, the peduncle much longer than the petiole. Corolla 6-12 mm long, pale violet lavender. The fruit or in a loose spiral of 11-4 turns, glabrous to hairy.
Uses
It’s a plant used widely as pasture, and harvested for this purpose across the globe. It has a life span of 5 to 12 years, depending on the chosen variety, as well as the weather. In favorable conditions it can last up to 20 years.
It can reach a height of a meter, developing dense groups of purple flowers. It usually has very deep roots which can be up to 5 meters high. This quality makes the plant especially resistant to droughts.
Origins
Alfalfa was originated in Persia, and it has been said its first human use was to feed war horses. At the same time, it belongs to the family of produce (legume), as do lentils and chick peas.
Nutritional Value and active principals:
- Mineral salts, especially Calcium, Potassium, Iron and Phosphorus.
- A large amount of aminoacids.
- Carotene, and vitamins C, D, E and K.
- When in sprouts it contains Vitamin A, Complex B, B12, C, D, E, G, K, Iron and Phosphorus.
- Nutritional Properties
- The leaf is the most used, as it contains exceptional nutritional properties. It has more protein than most vegetables. It’s also rich in Vitamin A and derived minerals. It contains rarely usual amounts of Vitamin K (which helps blood clots)