USDA's Improving alfalfa protein content and stability

Wed, Aug 7, 2024 3:00 PM (CDT)

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Description
Abstract:
Alfalfa is a high-quality forage and a perennial source of protein for dairy cows. Its nutritional value and suitability for sustainable agricultural production are also driving interest in the possible use of alfalfa for human consumption. This novel interest in alfalfa highlights some of the well-known challenges regarding its use in high-production dairy systems including post-harvest proteolysis and paucity of certain amino acids. To address the issue of post-harvest protein degradation, we have developed a higher-throughput fluorescence intensity-based protease activity assay specifically for aboveground plant tissue and have used it to assess protease activity in alfalfa during wilting. Understanding the plant mechanisms underpinning post-harvest control of protease activity may lead to new strategies for enhanced conservation of forage protein. Ongoing experiments will focus on screening alfalfa varieties for decreased protease activity and increased intact protein. Identifying these varieties could help with future breeding efforts or inform variety selection to increase alfalfa performance both as a dairy forage and potential as a human food source.

Wednesday, August 7th at 3 p.m. CST
Connection details:
https://www.zoomgov.com/j/1603383910
646-828-7666; ID: 160 338 3910
Location
Virtual
Start
Wed, Aug 7, 2024 3:00 PM (CDT / GMT-05:00)
End
Wed, Aug 7, 2024 4:00 PM (CDT / GMT-05:00)
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