Forages are plants or parts of plants eaten by both livestock and wildlife. Forages provide bulk, help with weight maintenance, and combat several issues [1]. Alfalfa forage is high in protein—well-suited to promote muscle mass in beef cattle or to increase the production of dairy cows [2]. Alfalfa is also commonly used for horse feed. These animals require forages with good palatability along with high digestibility, intake potential, and protein levels, thus increasing the demand for alfalfa and other high-quality feeds. Farmers have responded by producing even higher-quality alfalfa in recent years. Since forage quality depends on chemical, biological, and dynamic properties, both measured and calculated methods must be used. Standard alfalfa assays measure neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), crude protein (CP), ash, moisture, and protein. For alfalfa pellets, the mean particle size is also important. Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) offers rapid and reliable prediction of fat, moisture, crude protein, fiber, ash and starch in a few seconds and without sample preparation.

Samples of alfalfa (including fresh alfalfa, alfalfa pellets, and alfalfa cubes) were analyzed on a Metrohm NIR Analyzer. All measurements were performed in reflection mode using the large cup. The samples were measured in rotation to collect spectral data from several areas. Spectral averaging of signals from several spots helped to reduce sample inhomogeneity.

The reference values were measured according to ISO norms described at the end of this Application Note. Metrohm software was used for all data acquisition and prediction model development.

1. Saracen Horse Feeds. The Importance of Forage. Saracen Horse Feeds. https://saracenhorsefeeds.com/sports/feeding-the-ex-racehorse/the-importance-of-forage (accessed 2025-07-09).
2.  Douliere Hay France. Alfalfa Hay - Lucerne hay for beef and dairy cow, sheep, goat, broadmare and chicken. https://doulierehayfrance.com/en/produit/alfalfa-hay/ (accessed 2025-07-09).