raw materials
Alfalfa
More than 700 Diverse-ltda cooperative members grow alfalfa in France. This crop is primarily used for animal nutrition, a sector in which the Group has become a key player.
In figures
4
alfalfa dehydration plants in France
720
cooperative associates cultivate more than 11,000 hectares of alfalfa in France
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Alfalfa is a leguminous plant. In Europe, 85% of production is concentrated in three countries: France, Spain, and Italy.
The main fodder plant used for livestock feed, alfalfa is a real source of protein and carotene. Dehydrating the plant allows alfalfa to retain all the qualities of fresh fodder. Sown for 2 to 3 years in a row, it is cut and harvested three to four times a year.
Alfalfa contributes to sustainable agriculture and biodiversity: it can do without nitrogen for its growth because it captures it from the air and returns some of it to the soil, making it available for subsequent crops. It hosts microorganisms and insects from surrounding crops. It should be noted that alfalfa is a plant that is essential for conversions to organic field crops; it allows a safe transition to organic farming and is an important success factor.
Industrial process
The alfalfa is mown, chopped, and then transported to the plant for rapid grinding in crackers or attrition mills. When passed through a press, the alfalfa produces a fibrous residue and a 10% dry matter pressing juice. Dehydrating the plant allows the alfalfa to retain all the qualities of fresh fodder.
Animal nutrition
Alfalfa can be incorporated at a rate of 10% to 30% in the diet of ruminants: cattle, sheep, and goats. More than effective in animal feed, alfalfa was the subject of a study conducted by the AgroParisTech experimental farm. This study showed that dairy cows in production emit 10% less enteric methane when they are fed alfalfa instead of grass.
Plant proteins
This protein-rich natural raw material is also used to make dietary supplements for humans. It is called foliar extract, meaning it is a concentrate of nutrients (proteins, vitamins, minerals) obtained from the juice of leaves such as alfalfa.
