Use of alfalfa meal in layer diets – a review

Abstract

SUMMARYAlfalfa meal is used in poultry diets because of its content of pigments, protein and secondary metabolites. On average, alfalfa meal contains 17–20% crude protein, 1650 kcal/kg metabolisable energy, 20–25% crude cellulose, 1.50% calcium, 0.25% total phosphorus, 0.70% lysine and 0.25% methionine, depending on the quality of the alfalfa meal. Alfalfa meal with a high content of beta carotene and xanthophyll is used to supplement poultry diets in order to obtain desired yolk and skin pigmentation. In addition to producing good pigmentation, it is low in cholesterol because of its high cellulose content and the presence of anti-nutritional factors. Although alfalfa meal is high in protein, its use is restricted because of its high cellulose content, which is poorly digested. The use of alfalfa meal in layer bird diets can reduce feed intake and egg production. On the other hand, it is effective in reducing the cholesterol content of eggs and increasing the colour score of the yolk. The current recommendation is to restict the use of alfalfa meal to 10% of the diet, although further research is needed on the use of additives in diets containing alfalfa meal.