Purdue University	i-Iimeo AH - 101
Agricultural Experiment Station	April 24, 1953 (5M)
Lafayette j Indiana
Improving the Formula of Supplement A with Alfalfa Meal
W. M. Beeson and T. W. Perry Department of Animal Husbandry
Scientific facts have shown that the maximum utilization of roughages is dependent on feeding a supplement, which furnishes the proper combination of nutrients. After several years of research the original formula of “Supplement A“ was released for common usage on April 21, 1949 (Mimeo AH 47)<> This supplement has given, both experimentally and under practical feeding conditions, good results and remains in its own right a good supplement for balancing the deficiencies of many farm roughages such as corn cobs, corn silage, straw, and similar products. However, since 1949 continued effort has been made to improve this supplement by using a wide variety nutritional substances, such as fishmeal, fish solubles, vitamin 3-^, sulfur, dried brewers yeast, active cell yeast and alfalfa meal. Although some improvement has been made by adding fishmeal and active cell yeast, the only consistent and significant effect has been obtained with alfalfa meal.
Three years of research (Table I) have shown that alfalfa meal contains some unknown factor(s) which will significantly improve the growth rate and feed efficiency of cattle. In view of these facts the formula of ‘‘Supplement A1’ has been modified to contain 11$ alfalfa meal.
The New Formula is as follows:
“Purdue Cattle Supplement A:? {32% Crude Protein)
This recommendation does not imply that further improvement cannot be made or that the original formula is not still a useful and effective supplement.
ll Dehydrated alfalfa meal {17%> Crude Protein)
V One ounce of cobalt sulfate was added per 100 pounds of salt.
y Stabilized dry vitamin A and D concentrate containing 4>540,CCO U.SoPo units vitamin A per pound and 567,500 U.S.P. units vitamin D per pound.