To address the growing demand for quality forage in support of the country’s expanding dairy industry, a project embarked on the development of alfalfa varieties adapted to the local condition.
The project, “Varietal Improvement and Innovative Production of Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) to Augment Feed Resources for Dairy Animals,” is being implemented by the University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines (USTP)-Claveria Campus to increase production of quality forage for the dairy animals.
Alfalfa, is a perennial forage known as the “Queen of Forages.” It is fast-growing, highly palatable and digestible. Moreover, it is also recognized as the “gold standard” for dairy animals due to its superior nutritional value. While alfalfa is traditionally cultivated in temperate climates, Thailand has already established its tropical alfalfa, which has the potential to grow in the Philippines as well.
Dr. Kharen C. Cabanday, project team member shared that nine alfalfa varieties were able to germinate and are being analyzed by the project. Seven varieties were sourced from subtropical regions and two from temperate climates that include Flowcote 614 QL Lucerne, Hunter River Lucerne, Upper Murray Seeds “Silverado 9,” Flowcote 914 QL Lucerne, Flowcote Sequel Lucerne, Upper Murray Seeds “Silverosa GT 7,” Upper Murray Seeds “Silverland,” Bulldog 505, and Bulldog 805.
During the farm visit, Dr. Cabanday showed direct seeded and transplanted alfalfa for comparison. Mulching was employed to prevent weed growth, as well as ratooning to determine the growth performance of ratooned alfalfa plants.
Dr. Synan S. Baguio, emphasized that if the project is successful in producing alfalfa, the country will have a good feed resource for dairy animals that can potentially reduce the cost to produce per liter of milk.