New Product Release for Spring of 2023!

AFX 670 Hi-Gest Alfalfa

The next generation of Hi-Gest Alfalfa Technology is here. New product release AFX 670 Hi-Gest Alfalfa is a fall dormancy 6 alfalfa with high multifoliate leaf expression and germination tolerance to salinity. This conventionally bred alfalfa has a high leaf-to-stem ratio and has improved fiber digestibility, intake and extent of digestion versus other conventional semi-dormant alfalfas.

AFX 670 Hi-Gest Alfalfa On-farm Performance

Varieties with Hi-Gest^® have been proving their extra performance and value since the 2015 growing season. When Hi-Gest forage is included in the ration livestock respond to the improved fiber digestibility and forage intake increases as expected. Dairymen who grow their own forage are rapidly converting their acres to Hi-Gest. They are taking advantage of the higher digestibility. Commercial hay growers who focus on quality for their clients are being rewarded for preserving the identity of these higher performing lots of hay.

Balancing Yield and Quality

Lignin is the complex organic compound that hardens and strengthens the plant’s cell walls. In mature plants, lignin increases yield, but negatively affects forage quality and interferes with animal digestion. To minimize this dilemma, producers have traditionally found a compromise between yield and quality. They do this by harvesting at late-bud stage to one-tenth flower. Today’s Hi-Gest varieties with faster fiber digestibility provide growers additional management flexibility around the traditional yield versus quality dilemma.

Through focused breeding Hi-Gest developed varieties offer high yield potential.

• a 5-10% increased rate of fiber digestion which improves animal intake
• increased extent of fiber digestion (as measured by UNDF 240) by 5-10%,
• Higher crude protein of the forage by 3-5% when compared to other conventional varieties*.

The net impact is higher testing, higher value hay which can mean 2.5 or more pounds of milk per cow per day when fed versus other conventional varieties.

Management Flexibility of Hi-Gest Alfalfa Technology

Alfalfa varieties with Hi-Gest will easily fit into your alfalfa management system. The varieties have the flexibility to adjust to aggressive harvest systems to maximize yield and quality or to more relaxed schedules focused on tonnage. Either way, growers put the odds of improved returns per acre and animal performance in their favor.

Ask Your Alforex Seeds Dealer

They can tell you who’s growing Hi-Gest alfalfa in your area and share their experiences with you. You may be surprised who has already made the move!

Head over to the  AFX 670 product page for more information.