Aside from being a cheap feed material, buying bulk alfalfa pellets for beef cattle is also beneficial for the environment. There are several benefits of this food product, including its digestibility, palatability, and textural characteristics. This feed has been found to influence milk fat levels in cattle. If you are interested in feeding your cattle alfalfa pellets, there are several things you can do.
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slough hay
If you are looking for a high-quality source of bulk alfalfa pellets for beef cattle, you might be interested in purchasing slough hay. This hay contains the same nutrients as alfalfa, but it’s low in protein and has a poor digestibility score. A few farmers will allow you to remove unwanted weeds, but the cost of transportation and storage is similar to that of other feeds.
During a switch-back study of dehydrated alfalfa pellets and alfalfa hay, the researchers found that cattle and horses consume similar amounts of each. They were not from the same batch, but were grown in the same geographical area and year. Moreover, the study did not find a significant difference between the two kinds of hay. However, this has not prevented slough hay from replacing alfalfa in cattle diets.
Alfalfa pellets
If you’re considering switching from hay to alfalfa pellets, there are several advantages to consider. Alfalfa pellets offer better texture and digestibility than hay and do not elevate lactate levels, which is important for milk fat and hoof health. Additionally, they are easy to digest and provide a balanced diet. The following are some of the pros and cons of alfalfa pellets for cattle.
Alfalfa pellets are a highly nutritious, high-density feed. They contain moderate levels of protein and sugar, and they’re high in digestible fiber. Alfalfa pellets are available all year round and are suitable for older animals. They’re also inexpensive and provide the necessary nutrients. Alfalfa pellets can be fed to cattle during any time of the year. The advantages are too numerous to list here.
Buckwheat straw
While buckwheat straw is not widely available in many regions of North America, it has great potential for use in beef cow rations. Its low feeding value means it should be fed only in small amounts as a supplement to alfalfa in bulk. It contains four percent crude protein and forty percent fiber. Because of its coarse texture, it should be screened for prussic acid, which is poisonous to cattle. Buckwheat is also not as palatable as other grain forage, but it should be fed as at least 20 to 25 percent of concentrate mixtures.
Bulk alfalfa pellets contain the same protein as hay but less fiber. They should be fed with grain or a supplement that contains the nutrients necessary for a healthy cattle diet. However, buckwheat straw is not a recommended source of alfalfa for beef cattle. Instead, use oat or barley straw for your cattle.
Canola
Canola has several benefits over other forages used in feeding livestock. Its flower, leaves and small pods have feed value. According to research, canola cut during a drought or frost contained 66-67 per cent digestible dry matter. In addition, it contains 10 to 17 ME MJ/kg of neutral digestible fibre. In 2007, canola silage and hay were reported to contain 47 and 85 per cent dry matter, which means that the plant’s energy and protein content are high.
Various feed blends, ranging from 100% Canola to 25% GB, were tested to see which had the best pelleting properties. Using a CPM CL-5 pilot scale pellet mill, the pellets were mixed with saturated steam to increase moisture content and temperature. In the same experiment, a standard feed blend containing only canola and other grains had the best pelleting performance, followed by the blends with a higher proportion of GB.
Oil meals
Alfalfa pellets are a great alternative to corn, soybean, and other oilseed feeds. They are a rich source of protein and contain a high percentage of TDN. Cattle oil meals should not exceed 10 to 15 percent oil. If the feed contains more than this amount, it may affect rumen function and carcass quality. Also, some producers use pellets with as much as 15 percent protein. Alfalfa is an excellent source of vitamins and minerals, and the oil content may reduce the carcass quality.
Adding alfalfa to the ration can reduce the amount of soybean meal in the daily ration by one kilogram. Alfalfa also has a high protein content, which means that cows’ body needs less soybean meal. However, there are some drawbacks to adding alfalfa to the diet. It may decrease fat milk yield and lead to milk fever. Alfalfa may cause poorer immunity.
