Chemical Composition of Leafy Spurge and Alfalfa
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Date
1991
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Publisher
North Dakota State University
Abstract
Description
A comparison of the nutrition values of both leafy spurge and alfalfa are considered as forage sources for sheep, goats and cattle. Leafy spurge is deemed a nuisance and weed. However, it's protein levels, crude fiber, phosphorus and in vitro dry matter are examined in relation to edibility for livestock. Herbicides have been used to treat this scourge. Some ranchers found it difficult to apply herbicides to rough terrain and chose to rid leafy spurge by goats and sheep. It was concluded that leafy spurge was a good source of feed for young and mature goats and sheep. It compared favorably with alfalfa, smooth brome and crested wheatgrass.