Alfalfa grass

Alfalfa grass is a high-quality legume forage that is widely used in animal feeding, especially for dairy cows, beef cattle, sheep, goats, and horses. It’s one of the most popular and nutritious forages because of its high protein content, digestibility, and rich mineral profile.

Key Benefits of Alfalfa Grass

1. High Protein Content:

• Alfalfa grass is particularly protein-rich, making it ideal for high-producing dairy cows, growing livestock, and pregnant animals. Typically, the crude protein content in young, leafy alfalfa is around 15-25% but can vary based on the growth stage.

2. Rich in Fiber:

• Alfalfa grass contains a good amount of digestible fiber, which is essential for maintaining healthy rumen function in ruminants. The fiber promotes efficient digestion and supports overall gut health.

3. High Mineral Content:

• Calcium: Alfalfa is an excellent source of calcium, which is essential for bone health, nerve function, and milk production in lactating dairy cows.

• Potassium & Magnesium: It also provides potassium and magnesium, which are important for maintaining electrolyte balance and muscle function.

• Phosphorus: This is crucial for energy metabolism and bone health.

4. Vitamins:

• Vitamin A: Alfalfa is rich in Vitamin A, which supports vision, immune function, and skin health in animals.

• Vitamin K: Alfalfa is a good source of Vitamin K, which helps in blood clotting and bone health.

5. Good Digestibility:

• The plant’s cellulose and fiber are highly digestible, especially in its younger stages. The digestibility improves as it undergoes fermentation in silage or when mixed into a total mixed ration (TMR).

6. Supports Growth and Milk Production:

• Alfalfa grass supports the growth of young livestock and the milk production in dairy cows due to its high protein content and nutrient density. It is ideal for feeding high-performance animals, such as dairy cows, which require additional protein and energy for lactation.

7. High Leaf-to-Stem Ratio:

• Alfalfa’s leaves are the most nutritious part of the plant. The younger the alfalfa, the higher the proportion of leaves to stems, making it more nutrient-dense. Older alfalfa may have higher fiber content due to the increase in stems.

8. Versatility:

• Alfalfa grass can be fed in different forms:

• Fresh pasture during the growing season

• Hay: Dry, cut alfalfa used as forage

• Silage: Fermented alfalfa stored in a silo or pit

9. Improved Animal Health:

• Alfalfa’s high mineral content, especially calcium, helps to reduce the risk of milk fever (hypocalcemia) in dairy cattle and support overall health.

Dosing Alfalfa Grass

The feeding amount or dosing of alfalfa grass depends on various factors, such as the age, size, weight, and production stage (e.g., lactating, growing, or dry) of the animal, as well as the form of alfalfa being used (e.g., fresh, hay, or silage). Below are general dosing guidelines:

1. Dairy Cows

• Lactating Cows: A lactating cow may consume between 20-30 kg (44-66 lbs) of alfalfa silage or hay per day, depending on the cow's size, milk production, and overall diet. If fresh alfalfa is available, cows might eat 10-15 kg (22-33 lbs) of fresh forage per day.

• For high milk production, you might increase the portion to 40-50 kg (88-110 lbs) of fresh forage or hay per cow per day, depending on the cow's condition and production.

2. Beef Cattle

• Growing and Finishing Cattle: For beef cattle, alfalfa is often included in the diet to promote growth and weight gain. They typically consume about 10-20 kg (22-44 lbs) of alfalfa silage or hay daily, depending on their weight and stage of growth.

• Finishing Cattle: In finishing systems, they may consume larger amounts (up to 25-30 kg or 55-66 lbs of silage/hay), depending on the desired rate of weight gain.

3. Sheep and Goats

• Small Ruminants: Sheep and goats typically consume 2-5 kg (4-11 lbs) of alfalfa hay or silage per day, depending on their size and the stage of production.

• For lactating ewes or does, alfalfa provides the necessary protein and nutrients for milk production. They might eat 3-4 kg (7-9 lbs) of alfalfa daily.

• Growing lambs/kids may need about 1-2 kg (2-4 lbs) of alfalfa per day.

4. Horses

• Adult Horses: For horses, alfalfa is typically fed in moderation as a supplement to a grass hay diet. The recommended amount of alfalfa hay ranges from 3-7 kg (6-15 lbs) per day, depending on the horse’s weight, age, activity level, and nutritional needs.

• Working horses or performance horses may require more alfalfa due to their higher protein and energy needs.

5. Poultry and Small Livestock

• Alfalfa for Poultry: While poultry generally does not consume alfalfa as a primary feed, alfalfa meal or pellets are often added to layer diets in small amounts to provide additional fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Usually, it makes up 5-10% of the total ration.

Additional Considerations

1. Storage and Preservation:

   • If you’re using alfalfa hay, it should be stored in a dry, cool place to prevent mold or spoilage. Hay bales should be tightly packed and protected from rain and moisture.

   • Alfalfa silage must be stored in an anaerobic environment (sealed silo or pit) to avoid spoilage. It's also important to use silage within a reasonable timeframe to maintain its nutritional quality.

2. Potential Issues:

   • Bloat: When alfalfa is fed in excess or if it’s too fresh, especially in ruminants, it can cause bloat, a potentially fatal condition. It’s important to balance the intake of fresh alfalfa with other feed sources to reduce the risk of bloat.

   • Overfeeding Protein: Alfalfa’s high protein content can lead to excess protein in the diet, which might result in kidney stress in some animals, especially if they have limited access to water or if the protein isn't balanced with energy sources.

3. Alfalfa Quality:

• • The quality of alfalfa depends on the stage of maturity at harvest. Younger alfalfa has higher protein content and lower fiber, which is ideal for lactating animals and young growing livestock. Older alfalfa, on the other hand, can be higher in fiber, making it less digestible for some animals.