Effect of Alfalfa Meal, Alfalfa Leaves, Alfalfa Stems and Fresh Alfalfa on Chick Growth

Studies by various investigators, Cooney et al. (1948); Draper et al. (1948); Lepkovsky et al. (1949); and Kodras et al. (1951), have shown that there is a relation between the depression of chick growth and the level of alfalfa meal in the rations. Data obtained by Cooney et al. with chicks fed rations containing alfalfa meal and equivalent levels of fiber in the form of cellu flour indicated that the chick growth depressing effect of alfalfa meal could not be entirely attributed to fiber. As an additional step in the solution of the problem an experiment was conducted to test and compare the growth depressing effect of alfalfa meal, alfalfa leaves, alfalfa stems and fresh alfalfa. The products were prepared from alfalfa cut in the bud stage and full bloom stage. Each product except the fresh alfalfa was dehydrated at a temperature between 104° and 122°F. The leaves and stems . . .