Evaluation by Lamb Feeding Tests of Alfalfa Hay Grown on a Low-Sulfur Soil

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Abstract
The feeding value of alfalfa grown on soils which did and did not respond to sulfur fertilizers has been studied utilizing lamb gains, digestion trials and nitrogen and sulfur balance trials. A rather consistent, though not always significant, trend in animal performance indicated that alfalfa grown on low-sulfur soils was improved by fertilization. The addition of methionine to alfalfa hay considered low in sulfur did not improve the feeding value of the hay. The application of sulfur-containing fertilizers to soils low in sulfur markedly increased the sulfur content of the alfalfa grown. Other accompanying changes in composition appeared to be of greater effect on the feeding value than the changes in sulfur content. No one chemical fraction appears to be of unique importance in determining the nutritive value of the hay in these studies. The previous finding that low sulfur intake of sheep is reflected in the blood serum inorganic sulfate level has been further verified. Copyright © . .