Evaluating the interest to use high digestibility alfalfa on Quebec dairy farms

Several alfalfa cultivars or populations were selected for increased digestibility. However, productivity and nutritive value of these high digestibility alfalfa cultivars have not been tested under the climatic conditions of Quebec. The effects of a more digestible alfalfa on the performance of dairy cows and their methane emissions, as well as the economical impacts on the farm are also worth studying.

The overall objective of the project is to assess the value of using a more digestible alfalfa on dairy farms in Quebec. The projet has three components, whose specific objectives are : 1) To evaluate different more digestible alfalfa cultivars or populations in the bioclimatic conditions of Quebec to compare their yield, nutritive value, and persistence (Plant Component); 2) To assess the impact of using a more digestible alfalfa on the performance of dairy cows (Animal Component); 3) To determine the economical impacts of the use of a more digestible alfalfa on dairy farms in Quebec (Technical and Economical Component).

The Plant Component of the project will determine the digestibility of 4 alfalfa cultivars or populations with increased digestibility compared to a control cultivar, as well as the effect of management strategy and seeding mixture on alfalfa digestibility. This component will also decide on the utility of using the alfalfa cultivars conventionnally-bred for enhanced digestibility to increase forage digestibility. The Animal Component will measure the effect of alfalfa with enhanced digestibility on milk production, milk composition, forage digestibility, and methane production by dairy cows. It will also allow the development of feeding strategies for dairy herds with these highly digestible forages. The Technical and Economic Component will evaluate the impact of using high digestibility on the net income of the farm, by calculating potential changes in income and spending. Finally, the overall project will determine whether the adoption of a high digestibility alfalfa is beneficial to a dairy farm in Quebec's agricultural context.

Our project will train 10 highly qualified people in addition to promoting scientific collaboration between the various organizations involved in the project (Université Laval, McGill University, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Deschambault Animal Science Research Centre, Valacta, and MAPAQ).