Originally Posted by Snipe
Can you elaborate on the formula you are using to figure 22.5lbs of food is the same as 50lbs of alfalfa, nutrient-wise?

I don't recall saying that. For example, it would take less than 12.5 lbs of feed to be equivalent to 50 lbs of alfalfa on a phosphorus basis. So how they compare depends on which nutrient we are making the comparison. Above I compare N which is proportional to the weight of protein. Good alfalfa is 18% protein by weight so its just a ratio when equal equal weights are considered 18/40 = .45. Or by weight alfalfa has 45% of the weight of protein as a 40% feed ... since the weight of nitrogen is proportional to the weight of protein ... there 45% as much Nitrogen in alfalfa as there is in a 40% feed.

It isn't what we don't know that gives us trouble, it's what we know that ain't so - Will Rogers