A large leaflet alfalfa was developed with five cycles of recurrent selection. This new germplasm was compared to the original population 'Hayden' for nutrient composition. Crude protein, lignin, cell solubles, hemicellulose and neutral detergent fiber were not significantly different among the cycles and the original population of alfalfa at the June and July harvests. Ether extract (lipid) did drop considerably in plants of the first two cycles, but was not different in plants from Hayden in cycle five at the first harvest. Selection for large leaflets has not significantly changed the nutrient composition components after five cycles of recurrent selection.

Alfalfa may be harvested and used as green feed, pellets, haylage, cubes, hays or matured for seed. The value of the product is determined in part by the yield, costs of production, demand and end usage. The high nutrient composition makes this feed a major component of balanced rations. However, its quality is highly variable from production through harvest, storage and feeding.

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