MILKING VALUE OF LUCERNE.

Waipa Post, Volume I, Issue 4, 28 April 1911, Page 4

MILKING VALUE OF LUCERNE.

“improvements effected in

YIELD.”

A few weeks ago inquiry was made from the Wairarapa concerning lucerne growing. Besides the information given at the time in “The Dominion,” the following, from the “Australasian,” on the milking value of lucerne should he of interest:- — The nutritive elements contained in lucerne are to some extent a fluctuating quantity. The quality of a cut is largely dependent upon the judgment and experience shown in curing the crop. A practice adopted is to cut the sward as flowering commences, though often the condition of the nodes at the base of the stool are a better indication that harvesting should not be delayed. The development of the nodes shows that a new growth is about to be made, and, con-

sequently, if this starts. before harvesting is commenced, considerable quantities of small useful growths are removed, and the growth of the succeeding crop is retarded. After cutting, the windrows are left to lie for a day, after which they are raked and cocked.

The curing process is largely governed by the state of the weather, but ordinarily the cocks are left to stand for three or four days, or until the hay becomes fairly brown, before stacking. One grower believes that by curing the crop slowly more nutriment is stored in the hay, which when intended for feeding to dairy cattle, is an important factori Unfortunately, in this particular instance, no records have been kept by which a definite comparison can be made of the feeding values of lucerne and corn silage on the milk production. His experience, however, suggests that a considerable improvement was effected in the yield from the herd. When fed on lucerne, the milk yield increased perceptibly, and, owing to the greater richness of the cream, it was found necessary to give the screw of the separator a few turns to enable the cream to run through. Later, when feeding was restricted to maize silage, the herd showed a disinclination for its feed, and alterations had again to be made, to provide for The decreased density of the cream. Moreover, during a fairly long period, when the milking herd was fed continuously on a lucerne diet, the yield was maintained at its full height without variation. A few acres more are to be planted this season, which will be used entirely for feeding the dairy cattle. The farmer considers that with its aid he will be better able to continue a larger flow after the flush is over, and to largely do away with the dwindle which occurs during the middle °f the spring months. Prior to feeding, the hay is saturated with boiling water.