Value of University of Florida forage legume cultivars to livestock production

This paper will describe forage legume cultivar releases by the Univ. of Florida, Agric. Expt. Stn., Agronomy Dep., and discuss their value to livestock production. During a 50-yr period (1898-1947), a total of eight cultivars, four of velvetbean [Mucuna pruriens (L.) DC.], two of hairy indigo (Indigofera hirsuta L.), and one each of blue lupine (Lupinus angustifolius L.) and alyceclover [Alysicarpus vaginalis (L.) DC-], were released. Over the last 50 yr, 18 cultivars were released. These cultivars represent more diverse species and include blue lupine, sweet clover (Melilotus alba Medik.), alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.), white clover (Trifolium repens L.), carpon desmodium [Desmodium heterocarpon (L.) DC.], rhizoma perennial peanut (Arachis glabrata Benth.), crimson clover (T. incarnatum L.), hairy indigo, alyceclover, red clover (T. pratense L.), style [Stylosanthes guianensis (Aubl.) Sw.], and pantanal peanut (Arachis Kretschmeri Krapov. gc W. C. Gregory). Based on current estimates of area planted and N fixed ha(-1) with N cost assumed to be $0.75 kg(-1), the potential value of N fixed from 'Florida 77' alfalfa, 'Osceola' white clover, 'Cherokee' red clover, 'Flame' crimson clover, and 'Florigraze' rhizoma peanut is estimated at $10.2 million year(-1). If the total production of Florida 77, Cherokee, and Florigraze were converted to hay, the current potential hay value from these cultivars would be just over $35 million annually, assuming average yields and a value of high-quality legume hay at $200 Mg-1. Assuming a 60% calf crop from beef cows grazing only winter-dormant warm season grasses vs. an 85% calf crop From beef cows on a high-quality cool-season forage legume diet and a carrying capacity of one cow-calf unit ha(-1), the potential value of forage legumes could be $2.5 million annually to the beef industry. Records of the Florida Foundation Seed Producers, Inc., Greenwood, FL show that royalties from forage legume cultivars have amounted to more than $300,000 to date. These statistics reveal that forage legume breeding programs have provided cultivars which have been of major benefit to farmers and cattle ranchers, with these programs being among the leading programs in the United States.