Chick Growth Depressing Factor in Sun-Cured and Dehydrated Alfalfa Meals

CONSIDERABLE information on the value of alfalfa meal in poultry rations has been reported. Alderson (1947), using from 7.4 to 49.2 percent alfalfa meal in chick rations found that as the alfalfa was increased, feed consumption per pound of net gain was increased and average gain per chick decreased. Chicks fed 49.2 percent had a mortality rate of 60 percent. A satisfactory level of alfalfa intake appeared to lie between 7 and 15 percent. Cooney et al. (1948) found that above the first 5 percent each additional increment of 5 percent of alfalfa meal resulted in a significant depressing effect on chick growth. When compared with chicks fed rations containing similar levels of fiber (Cellu Flour), it appeared unlikely that the results obtained with the various levels of alfalfa could be entirely attributed to the fiber in the alfalfa. These studies indicated that there was an unidentified factor or factors . . .