ONOBRIX

ONOBRIX, also known as Sainfoin, is a perennial forage legume valued for its high protein quality, its beneficial condensed tannins (antibloat and protein protection) and its good adaptation to limestone soils and dry/Mediterranean climates. It is used as grazing, hay, silage and in permanent mixtures with grasses.

Nutritional composition (guideline values)

Grain / Seeds (dry matter basis)
Component Indicative value
Crude protein (grain) 28 – 39 %.
Fat ~4 – 7 %.
Forage (hay / pasture — values on DM basis)
Parameter Typical range (depending on cut/maturity)
Crude protein (CP) 15–20 % (may be higher in early cuts, decreases at full flowering stage).
Neutral detergent fiber (NDF) 35–50 % (increases with maturity).

Yields (indicative)

Forage yield (biomass — DM)

  • 2–3 t DM/ha in the first year (establishment) to 7–10 t DM/ha/year in subsequent years under good management and good conditions.

ONOBRIX (Asparagus) is a multi-annual species: after establishment (1st year) forage production increases and persistence can be maintained for several years with adequate cutting/grazing.

Planting and agronomic management (technical data)

  • Planting time: autumn (Sep–Nov) or spring (Feb–May) depending on local climate; in cold areas it is sown in spring.
  • Dose/sowing rate: 90–120 kg/ha of bare seed.
  • Inoculation: use specific inoculant mesorhizobium onobrychidis improves N fixation.
  • Fertilization: Typically low in mineral N for fixation capacity; provide P and K if the soil analysis shows a need.
  • Cutting/grazing management: reserving the first spring for hay/silage and managing regrowth; Short and rotational grazing is preferable to maintain perenniality. Do not cut or graze too low: leave 5–7 cm. stubble.
  • Persistence: good persistence if overgrazing is avoided and managed rotationally; Sensitive to intense continuous grazing.

Zootechnical properties and recommendations for use in rations

Key Zootechnical Benefits

  • Condensed tannins (TC): act by reducing the risk of bloat (legume glut), protect rumen protein (increased bypass protein) and can reduce gastro-intestinal parasites in ruminants in some cases. This makes the sainfoin very interesting for ruminants (sheep, dairy and beef cows).
  • Palatability: high; Animals consume sainfoin well when it is in the vegetative state or in good quality hay.

Forage nutrient composition and dietary reserves

  • Crude hay/forage protein: typically 15–20% BW (DM) in early cuts; in more advanced hay it descends. Ideal for supplementing poor pastures and designed to increase protein in the ration.

Agronomic and environmental advantages

  • Biological nitrogen fixation (improving fertility for subsequent crops).
  • Reduces risk of indigestion (vs. alfalfa) due to its tannins.
  • Good adaptation to limestone soils and cold/temperate dry areas.
  • It can improve biodiversity in permanent grasslands.