Some factors Affecting Marketing of Alfalfa berseem and the Effect of Stage of Cutting on Crude Protein Content and on Dry Matter Yield

Abstract

A field experiment was carried out during October 2010 to study some of the factors affecting marketing of berseem (Medicago sativa L.) and the effect of the stage of cutting on crude protein content and on dry matter yield. The alfalfa used in this study is variety hegazi which is commercially grown in the Sudan. An area of 2.1hectar was allocated, by a farmer, for the experiment on condition that samples will be taken at specific intervals after the farmer cuts his plot. Samples were obtained first at 7 days after harvest and there after at 3 day intervals until the farmer gets his next harvest which occurs usually between 21 and 30 days after the first harvest. A plot of a size of 6x5 m2 was randomly selected from each hectar. Three samples were taken from each plot using a quadrate (0.5x0.5 m2 ) Samples were weighed in the field and there dried in an oven at a temperature of 65 degree Celsius to determine dry matter production. A questionnaire was designed to determine the status of local price and export price of alfalfa. Green yield, dry matter yield and crude protein percent were assessed. Dry matter yield from a single cut at 30 days of age was 1.3 tons/ha/cut. This amounts to 15.6 tons /ha/ year assuming 12 cuts/ year. In terms of green matter yield from this experiment was 5.5 tons /ha/cut when alfalfa was cut at 30 days of age. The results indicated that there is no justification to harvest alfalfa at an age of 10-13days to obtain 23% of CP as this leads to a loss of 64% in dry matter or (816kg/ha), while harvesting at 30 days gives 17.5% CP. The latter figure is within the range of CP requirement in the diets of dairy cattle (14-19%). The results showed that all exported alfalfa goes to the Gulf States (United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Kuwait). Some 83% of the respondents reported that alfalfa was exported by individuals. The main reason for export of alfalfa is the high price at export markets which exceeds local price as reported by 83% of the respondents. The major problem facing alfalfa trade was the difficulties faced in transfer of foreign currency as reported by all respondents. Export prices of alfalfa were reported by 50% of the respondents as 400-450 US$/ton average. Sale price at export markets was about 750 US$, while all costs incurred were 441 US$, giving a net profit of 309 US$ /ton. The study has shown that the price of a bundle of alfalfa is lowest in winter at 4-5 SDG/bundle as reported by 83% of the respondents. Prices in summer were higher than those reported in winter; this was reported by 89.6% of the respondents who stated a price of bundle at 6-8 SDG. The highest prices of alfalfa were reported in the rainy season (autumn). The average weight of a bundle of alfalfa was 22kg, the most important market of alfalfa is Omdurman (Gabal market) and all alfalfa traded in the local markets of Khartoum State is obtained from non- trader farms. The study concluded that when cutting alfalfa at the age of 30 days, a dry matter yield 1.3 ton/ha/cut, and a crude protein content of 17.5% were obtained. This gives a satisfactory dry matter yield and a crude protein content within the range recommended for dairy cattle.