Oh dear! So much for that idea!

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Oh dear! So much for that idea!

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Woodburner

Joined: 28 Apr 2006
Posts: 2904
Location: Essex

Posted: Tue Jun 23, 09 1:43 pm Post subject: Oh dear! So much for that idea!

Alfalfa/lucerne is high in protein, so makes good animal feed, and I had been planning on growing it as feed for the chooks, but I just found this article:

Quote:

Title: Alfalfa as a single dietary source for molt induction in laying hens.
Personal Authors: Landers, K. L., Woodward, C. L., Li, X., Kubena, L. F., Nisbet, D. J., Ricke, S. C.
Author Affiliation: Department of Poultry Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA.
Editors: No editors
Document Title: Bioresource Technology

Abstract: Molting is a process by which a hen's reproductive tract is rejuvenated prior to the beginning of a laying cycle. This process is often artificially induced in commercial settings in order to extend the productive life of a flock of hens. The most common method for the induction of molt is feed withdrawal for a period of several days. It has been noted that feed withdrawal, while effective in inducing molt and allowing an adequate reproductive rest period for the hen, may cause deleterious effects on the animal. This has prompted the investigation of alternatives to feed deprivation for the induction of molt in commercial laying hens. This study involved feeding alfalfa to hens to assess its ability to induce molt. Results show that alfalfa meal and alfalfa pelleted diets were equally effective as feed withdrawal in causing ovary weight regression in birds. Molted hens induced by alfalfa diets exhibited postmolt levels of egg production over a twelve week period that were similar to that of hens molted by feed withdrawal. The postmolt eggs laid by hens molted by alfalfa were of comparable quality to eggs from feed deprived hens. Alfalfa, a fibrous feed with low metabolizable energy, may be provided to hens on an ad libitum basis for an effective molt induction that retains comparable egg quality and production.

But, any single food, whether it be maize, or wheat, or any other single thing, is bound to cause problems, if there is nothing else for them (or us!) to balance their diet.
I think I read something the other day about too much protein being bad for hens, maybe this is the effect of too much protein? (The chooks would be overeating it in an attempt to get enough 'energy'.)
Surely as part of a varied diet, it can't be any worse than soya, can it?

Mrs R

Joined: 15 Aug 2008
Posts: 7202

Posted: Tue Jun 23, 09 5:45 pm Post subject:

My guess is that this will keep them in better condition than total starvation would, but yet not provide as high a protein level as their normal diet, and therefore not be enough to maintain laying and would induce the moult. lucerne would be fine as a dietary supplement though. Chickens aren't grazers so they wouldn't get everything they need from grass - about 30% - they need insects, berries, grains and the odd dead frog aswell

...or layers pellets if you prefer...

Mrs R

Joined: 15 Aug 2008
Posts: 7202

Posted: Tue Jun 23, 09 5:53 pm Post subject:
ok that cant be right - conserved lucerne seems to be 19% protein and fresh 25%.....I can't see the point in feeding it neat in that case, that's VERY high - they only need 16/17% for laying? even chicks only need 20. sure they need a bit more for feather regrowth but still - not that much!

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