Sainfoin is a non-bloating legume that has nitrogen fixation capabilities and can be used in a forage mixture. Sainfoin also is extremely palatable and nutritious for all classes of livestock and wildlife. Livestock actually prefer sainfoin even when other plants species are readily available. Other uses include wildlife habitat restoration, wildlife food plots or as a legume component in the conservation reserve program (CRP).

Sainfoin is often compared to alfalfa based on its nitrogen fixation, forage capabilities, and nutritional value. The main advantages of sainfoin are the earlier maturation rate, non-bloating qualities, resistance to the alfalfa weevil and higher digestible nutrients when compared to alfalfa.

Another important advantage over alfalfa is that sainfoin is resistant to the root rot phase. The earlier maturation allows for earlier spring forage for grazing and hay cutting which is benefi cial to livestock operations.

Key Attributes of Sainfoin

• Requires no fertilizer
• Can be pastured and will not cause bloat in cattle or sheep
  
• Protein levels comparable to alfalfa
  
• Great for wildlife plots, deer, elk, pheasants, ducks, geese, and turkeys love it
  
• Weevils and aphids will not bother Sainfoin
  
• University of Wyoming cases show that Sainfoin does produce more
  tonnage than alfalfa
  
• Naturally high tannins which can kill worms in livestock
  
• Water requirements are minimal
  
• No frost or freeze problems, very winter hardy
  
• Holds leaves with less dry time
  
• High sugar and carbs
  
• No growth inhibitor
  
• Long lived perennial
  
• Elevation and weather fl exible
  
• Can be reseeded in existing stands with no problem

University of Wyoming studies show these key attributes of Sainfoin:

• Non-bloating characteristic of green forage in ruminant animals
  
• Extremely palatable and nutritional forage
  
• Resistance to the alfalfa weevil
  
• Excellent honey production
  
• Good drought tolerance
  
• Extremely winterhardy and frost tolerant
  
• Fixes atmospheric Nitrogen
  
• Low phosphorus requirement
  
• Noninvasive species

2007 Irrigated Forage Yield Trial of Sainfoin at the University of Wyoming Yield (T/A) Forage Quality Dry Matter ( June 18, 2008)

Plots were established June 4, 2007. CP = Crude Protein, ADF = Acid Detergent Fiber, NDF = Neutral Detergent Fiber, TDN = Total Digestible Nutrients, RFV = Relative Feed Value.