If you want to feed your cattle with the highest quality protein and nutrients, alfalfa pellets are an excellent choice. Alfalfa is a natural prebiotic that supports the immune system. It is a good source of calcium and is highly digestible. However, you should not feed it to your cows if it does not seem to work. Alfalfa pellets are available in many forms, from hay to dried seed.
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Benefits of alfalfa hay
The first and most obvious benefit of alfalfa for cattle is its high energy density. The plant has an initial rate of ruminal digestion that is five to ten times greater than other grasses. This helps reduce particle size and increases the passage of digesta from the rumen, allowing the animal to consume more forage per day. Alfalfa also helps reduce bloat in cows, allowing them to be more productive while in a pasture.
Another benefit of alfalfa hay for cattle is that it helps beef cattle gain weight. Studies have shown that six-weight steers consuming alfalfa hay in combination with silage gained 2.10 pounds per day. This is because alfalfa hay is rich in nutrients. The hay has up to 60 percent crude protein, which is more than double the amount of crude protein in plain grass hay. Alfalfa hay is high in nutrients that assist in the digestion process, allowing cows to easily absorb vitamins.
Ingredients in alfalfa hay
If you’re looking for a high-protein fodder for your cows, consider feeding them Alfalfa hay. This legume hay contains a high level of calcium, vitamins, and protein. Its roots form a symbiotic relationship with bacteria found in the ground, converting atmospheric nitrogen into plant protein. The nutrients in alfalfa hay make it a highly nutritious feed for your cows, and the increased water content stimulates the cows’ drinking habits.
It is important to know what components make up alfalfa hay for cow production. Alfalfa’s soluble protein content is highest early in the morning, when the dew has not yet blown off the plants. This reduces the risk of bloat. For this reason, experienced producers recommend turning cattle into alfalfa pastures after the alfalfa’s wilted.
Ways to feed alfalfa hay to animals
In general, the best time to feed alfalfa hay is during the fall, when the plant has already begun to dry up significantly after the last hard frost. This will minimize the risk of bloat in livestock. However, some animals should not be fed alfalfa hay in the winter months. In these cases, pastures containing less than 50% alfalfa should be used. Even then, cows should be monitored and checked for bloat.
Cows have been shown to produce more milk if fed alfalfa hay than their equivalent amount of grass. The amount of hay consumed did not change significantly between the first and second lactations, and the animals were not as sensitive to the plant as those who were fed wheat hay. In one study, cows that were pregnant during their second lactation produced about 30 percent less milk than those that were not.
Side effects of feeding alfalfa hay to animals
Generally, cattle have three or four major grazing bouts each day on alfalfa pastures. During this time, they are at high risk for bloat. Fortunately, producers can adjust their management practices to observe animals during periods when they are at risk for bloat. They should also keep an eye on their cattle during times of extreme grazing, such as when it’s raining or too hot.
However, some animals are not suitable for alfalfa hay. Goats and sheep do not have enough chewing ability to survive on alfalfa pellets, which is a form of pulverized hay. Goats, on the other hand, need a higher protein intake than other animals. And because it’s expensive and not widely available, it’s best to gradually increase the amount of protein fed to a lactating goat.
Places to buy alfalfa hay
Alfalfa hay is a high-quality feed that is a rich source of protein, calcium and vitamins. It is also highly digestible and supports an overall supportive diet. The nutrient-rich feed provides an excellent energy source for cattle, and it can also be fed as a supplement to everyday forage. If you are in the market for some alfalfa hay, Steinhauser’s offers square bales for your cows.
You should weigh a few bales to determine their nutrient content. You should also break open a couple of bales and inspect the hay. The nutrient content can vary from bale to bale, and different areas of a field have different types of alfalfa. You should also check for cheat grass seeds and foxtails, which can affect the quality of hay. Look for companies that test their hay and provide an analysis.
