Dow Seeds has come up with a new low-lignin alfalfa.
The announcement of the plant with 7 to 10 per cent less lignin was made last week in Blenheim.
Dow says the Hi-Gest forage improves fibre digestibility and intake, leading to better milk production.
The seed company also notes the new forage gives farmers a little more flexibility as its extended the traditional 28-day cutting schedule by 5 to 7 days.
The low-lignin alfalfa technology was developed by Alforex, a subsidiary of Dow AgroSciences.