can cattle eat alfalfa hay

In our experience, cattle that have not grazed alfalfa will invariably consume most of the other forages (ex, grasses, dandelions) that are present in pasture. Straw vs Hay: What is Hay? Never move cattle in the morning. This fact sheet discusses the advantages, disadvantages, and limitations of feeding alfalfa hay to beef cows. Mixing with a good quality grass hay will suffice for most dry cows. Ongoing feeding of alfalfa can cause obesity, urinary blockage and kidney stones. A mixture of oat hay and alfalfa at a 1 to 5 ratio is often recommended for sheep and other ruminants. Putting up forage in this manner, a producer can store a nutritious feed source for the animals to eat during the cold winter months. Soluble protein levels may also be higher in the plant early in the day and this may be why many experienced producers recommend that cattle be turned into alfalfa pastures after the morning dew is off the alfalfa. Bloat. Although cows can eat alfalfa, it may cause bloat which is often detrimental to health, productivity as well profitability. For this reason, the cost of feed makes up a significant amount of farming expenditure. Although you might occasionally feed alfalfa hay or provide turnout on an alfalfa pasture for pregnant or nursing ewes and their babies or sheep recovering from illness, generally speaking alfalfa has too much protein and calcium for sheep. Therefore, dairy cows can feed on alfalfa hay as a means to increase milk production. Feeding Rich Alfalfa Hay to beef cattle - posted in Alfalfa/Hay: I have purchased some second cut alfalfa hay, it is dry hay in 4x5 round bales. Anything less will give you just that: less. Often, the price seems high, but one is not going to feed alfalfa to beef cows at an all-they-can-eat rate. Alfasure liquid bloat product is 100% effective in preventing bloat and can be used during risk periods. The cattle (and equines) have been getting somewhat limited hay (excellent coastal) because our hay buggy is broke and we had to pull mass quantities of hay by hand three times a day from our round bales and throw it over the fence to the livestock (after carrying it 50 yards). Cut at a later stage of development, canola that is fully podded and stemmy with little or no leafy material left on the plant, crude protein averages about 10 per cent, TDN 49.8 per cent, ADF 45.9 per cent, and calcium 1.1 per cent. According to research, it is among the few types of hay that is capable of sustaining levels of production that are comparable to those achieved in the feedlot. Cows eat a mixture of food which includes grass silage, hay, alfalfa hay, grains, and let’s not forget corn. Alfalfa is recognized as one of the most nutritious forages available and is widely used as conserved forage (ex, hay, silage) in the diets of beef and dairy cattle. approaching 90%. While mycotoxins (mold poisons) are the main concern, molds themselves can adversely affect health and productivity of cattle. Cattle tend to eat more in the morning than the afternoon, and heavy dew in the morning also increases rate of digestibility, which increases the likelihood for bloat. This means that it is rapidly cleared thereby stimulating intake. Some molds can cause respiratory problems or abortion in pregnant cows. Environmental factors that interrupt regular grazing bouts on alfalfa pasture such as storms, exceptionally hot weather or biting flies can alter intake patterns and increase the risk of bloat. Whereas this rapid digestion and particle size reduction is responsible for the high productivity of cattle on alfalfa pasture, it also is in part responsible for bloat. Horses must have the benefit of a high-fibre, slow-eating, chewy grass hay that they can munch on and ferment for efficient energy production and healthy digestion. Note that excess feed an cause bloat which hinders productivity. Forage gap filler: Alfalfa can be used for grazing throughout most of the grazing season. Although one might think that the same effect would be achieved after a good fall frost, freezing can rupture plant cell walls and increase the release of soluble protein in the plant. 4. Have "escape" pastures, the ability to exit from alfalfa if conditions for grazing are very poor. Thus, to be sustainable in the future, forages must be a major component of any ruminant production system. Depending on the quality, it could also be a good protein source, but in most situations hay would be fed to meet the energy needs of the beef cow. Immature alfalfa can also be used due to its high levels of protein. Once alfalfa has reached 15% to 20% bloom the risk of grazing drops substantially. Avoid stemmy, coarse alfalfa. 3. Do you know what alfalfa is? Grazing of pure alfalfa stands has the potential to more than double the net farm income generated from mixed grass-legume pastures and under irrigation production yields of 1371 pounds of beef per acre have been reported. ... Alfalfa hay can also cause bloat. Hay is the staple forage in most cattle operations. Cows come into contact with cantharidin by ingesting alfalfa hay that has been infested by blister beetles. Hay or grass is the foundation of the diet for all grazing animals and can provide as much as 100% of the fodder required for an animal. "As for planning the quantity of alfalfa to raise or buy, you might consider feeding adult cows an average of five pounds per day during low-quality forage feeding," said Cole. This makes it easier for farmers to stock up on hay, especially during winters. A combination of home grown hay, purchased alfalfa hay and a mineral supplement can be used to balance the nutritional needs of the cow herd during critical periods of the year. Five to 7 pounds of alfalfa would be a great starting point for any nutritionist to start calculating a ration. The success of a livestock rearing agricultural venture is largely dependent on feed. Maintenance of normal metabolism and health are common problems with high concentrate feeding. Research suggests that feeding an estimate of 1.8kg to 2.7kg a day to each cow, along with all of the other coarse non-legume roughages such as corn fodder, sorghum fodder, wild hay, wheat straw or silage improves the weight of beef cattle. This fact sheet discusses the advantages, disadvantages, and limitations of feeding alfalfa hay to beef cows. At least 10 to 20 percent of soybean hay is wasted during feeding due to the coarse stems. If the hay is alfalfa that is average quality or better, it would also be a good protein source. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Alfalfa’s high protein content makes it ideal for milk-producing livestock and animals with high energy requirements. If good alfalfa hay is fed, no supplemental protein is needed by the dry cow and the lactating cow would need only 1pound of soybean meal or equivalent. Knowledge of the interactions between the animal, plant and environment factors that lead to bloat is the key to profitable grazing alfalfa with minimal death loss. Alfalfa contains digestible nutrients. Alfalfa is recognized as one of the most nutritious forages available and is widely used as conserved forage (ex, hay, silage) in the diets of beef and dairy cattle. Cattle generally have three to four grazing bouts per day on alfalfa pastures. However, the part that is eaten can be equal to average quality alfalfa in feeding value. It was really dry here in Southern Ontario this past summer so there is very little grass that grew back for second cut so its almost pure alfalfa. The oily substance can contaminate the hay even if the beetles were crushed into the feedstuff. Forage can be a grass, or a legume such as alfalfa. Some molds can cause respiratory problems or abortion in pregnant cows. A combination of home grown hay, purchased alfalfa hay and a mineral supplement can be used to balance the nutritional needs of the cow herd during critical periods of the year. Increased management and the risk of bloat can be seen as the cost that is associated with the high levels of productivity and associated profitability that are possible with grazing alfalfa. If you give the alfalfa first, they’ll ignore the timothy or drag it out of the feeder searching for the last bits of alfalfa! Monitor grazing of the cattle. Although all hay contains some mold, when mold becomes easily noticeable, the decisions become important. According to research, the nutritional value of alfalfa may sometimes exceed cow dietary needs, particularly beef cattle. This type of forage is popular for its ideal calcium content which plays an important part in maximising yields whilst improving on produce quality. Alfalfa hay should be fed in bunks, troughs or in hay racks with feed troughs beneath to catch shattered leaves. Forage can be a grass, or a legume such as alfalfa. Oxidative stress is a rampant problem that leads to poor quality yields. It is recommended to use this type of forage as a protein source for cattle being fed poor quality hay and grain. Cows can eat alfalfa as it provides more buffering capacity in the rumen. This build-up usually isn't hazardous to grazing animals, but green chop or hay cut right after a freeze can be more dangerous.” 3. Cow milk is the most popular variety globally, and so the market is very demanding. They can support daily gains of 2 lbs or more and have produced on average 790 lbs of beef per acre. These include calcium, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, sulphur, iron, zinc, and selenium. Cows eat alfalfa hay as part of their diet. Alfalfa regrowth is a rich source of protein, energy, vitamins and minerals. The nutritional content of Timothy Hay has been shown to be beneficial for dry cows and cows that are close to calving to prevent low-grade milk fevers for which the cows may be asymptomatic. Alfalfa is growing rapidly and high risk. Alfalfa is a rich source of protein, calcium and has an ideal fibre content hence it is highly palatable to cattle. Ruminants are unique in their ability to readily digest the cell wall components of forages and it is this ability that gives them a competitive advantage ove… If soybean hay is chopped in a tub grinder, cows will eat practically all of it. Protein and nutrition is mainly in the leaves, so stemmy hay is less nutritious and low in protein. If I’m feeding an average quality brome of fescue hay (let’s say 7% protein), my 1,100 pound cow will eat … One of the biggest factors is what stage of production your cows are in. Cattle won’t eat it well; coarse stems are hard to chew. Cows can eat alfalfa to acquire the necessary nutrients and minerals for growth, maintenance, lactation as well as reproduction. Alfalfa for Physiological Development of Young Cattle This makes it easier for farmers to stock up on hay, especially during winters. However, as many a dairy farmer can attest to, cattle can still bloat on alfalfa hay, and long term frozen alfalfa should be considered bloat reduced, not bloat safe. This type of grass hay is often cheaper to purchase than alfalfa, orchard, or Timothy hay. Although cows can eat alfalfa, it may cause bloat which is often detrimental to health, productivity as well profitability. But what is hay? Forage gap filler: Alfalfa can be used for grazing throughout most of the grazing season. Alfalfa is one of the few forages that is capable of sustaining levels of production that are comparable to those achieved in the feedlot. Humans cannot digest alfalfa hay like cows can. by Heather Thomas. Alfalfa is not recommended as the only forage for dry cows because of its high calcium content. Alfalfa is recognized as one of the most nutritious forages available and is widely used as conserved forage (ex, hay, silage) in the diets of beef and dairy cattle. Moldy hay has been fed to cattle for years. Bloat risk is highest when alfalfa is in vegetative to early bloom stages of growth. Even though sheep can eat a wide variety of hay, grass, and human food, there are some types of natural and man-made items that consuming can provoke a severe health issue – or even death. They can be used for grazing higher performance cattle, such as stockers, grass-finished cattle, lactating dairy cows, or as a creep for beef calves. However, pasture bloat continues to impede the widespread adoption of alfalfa grazing systems, although, numerous technologies are presently being tested for bloat prevention. Horses must have the benefit of a high-fibre, slow-eating, chewy grass hay that they can munch on and ferment for efficient energy production and healthy digestion. As a means to control the risk of bloat, some farmers practise co-cropping bloat safe legumes and wilt alfalfa prior to consumption. At least 10 to 20 percent of soybean hay is wasted during feeding due to the coarse stems. Bales of orchard grass or other forage will be just fine for a small herd of beef cattle. However, the utilization of alfalfa by grazing beef cattle has been limited due to its propensity to cause pasture bloat. Instead, just a few pounds of alfalfa a day really helps the cows. Nitrate levels can … In addition, it contains a significant amount of carbohydrates and minerals including calcium, phosphorus as well as magnesium. The bottom line is that producers should feed some alfalfa. approaching 90%. You can put the hay directly on the ground for a … A dairy cow needs to be able to eat as much as possible, and she will eat more fine, palatable alfalfa hay than coarse hay—and she will also get a lot more nutrition from it. Agronomic strategies such as the co-cropping of bloat safe legumes (ex, sainfoin, birdsfoot trefoil) with alfalfa and wilting of the alfalfa prior to consumption are being explored for their ability to provide additional bloat protection. Hay or grass is the foundation of the diet for all grazing animals and can provide as much as 100% of the fodder required for an animal. The bottom line is that producers should feed some alfalfa. Crushing or chemically eradicating the beetles does not diminish the toxin potency. Cows can eat some wet hay or they just tear it off the outside and get to the dry hay inside. per year. Continuous grazing can present more danger as after two to three weeks of grazing within a pasture alfalfa starts to regrow. As a means to control the risk of bloat, some farmers practise co-cropping bloat safe legumes and wilt alfalfa prior to consumption. You would not have cattle on 20 lbs barley, drop them down to 5 lbs (ie, grazing down to roots) and then back up to 20 lbs. Alfalfa is typically the cheapest feed supplement in late summer and early fall when grazing cows in their mid-trimester of pregnancy on low quality forages. They can be used for grazing higher performance cattle, such as stockers, grass-finished cattle, lactating dairy cows, or as a creep for beef calves. Alfalfa hay should be fed in bunks, troughs or in hay racks with feed troughs beneath to catch shattered leaves. Alfalfa is a crop that will fit those needs from a crop rotation standpoint and will fit nicely into growing and finishing rations for feeding out cattle. As clearly stated, cows can eat alfalfa so as to boost their immune system allowing them some form of protection against diseases. Each goat needs about two to four pounds of hay per day (3-4% of body weight in pounds), which can be fed free choice or twice a day. Often, the price seems high, but one is not going to feed alfalfa to beef cows at an all-they-can-eat rate. Ruminants are unique in their ability to readily digest the cell wall components of forages and it is this ability that gives them a competitive advantage over other meat producing animals. You could give the main feeding of timothy in the morning and give the bonus dessert type flake of alfalfa at night, once they’ve spent the day eating the timothy hay. Proper management of the animal is just as pivotal to bloat prevention as management of the plant. This will create bigger swings in nutrition and a greater risk for cattle to bloat. “If you consider the whole system — from putting up the hay through feeding it — for beef or dairy cows, a dew simulator and/or preservative to put up alfalfa with better leaf retention might be economically positive. This in turn helps buffer the pH changes and decrease the incidence of health problems such as ruminal acidosis. Uniform and regular intake is the key to managing animals on alfalfa pastures. Nonetheless, to dismiss its potential for beef cattle would be a mistake. The trace elements found in alfalfa help to prevent oxidative stress. If soybean hay is chopped in a tub grinder, cows will eat practically all of it. Hay is forage (grass and alfalfa) that has been cut, dried, and made into bales. Major bouts tend to occur shortly after sunrise and early in the evening. A third group of cows fed the alfalfa hay ration and the grain and hay ration in alter- During most years, excellent quality alfalfa hay is locally abundant and is often underutilized as a supplement in the beef cow industry. To add on, cows can feed on alfalfa so as to absorb trace nutrients that are essential in health maintenance. Bloat prevention technologies can be coupled with management to allow one to have a sounder night's sleep. Although many of these technologies can reduce the risk of bloat, none of them can guarantee bloat safe grazing of alfalfa under the management conditions. Urea can be used as the protein source in these rations due to the higher energy level. While making dry hay can be challenging, and even discouraging some years, alfalfa haylage will work at least as nice as dry hay … ** Assumes average to poor quality grass hay, or crop residues. They are ruminant animals. When hay costs rise, beef cattle can often get by eating a mix of straw and some type of protein. Also, although cows can feed on alfalfa, excess feed can be detrimental to health. A: It depends. Management of cattle on alfalfa pasture is a dynamic art and must be done with an appreciation of the factors that can cause fluctuation in the intake of alfalfa. Ruminants are unique in their ability to readily digest the cell wall components of forages and it is this ability that gives them a competitive advantage over other meat producing animals. Forage is the main source of nutrients for goats apart from their range. Posted by Agric Site | Cattle, Feed, Livestock | 0. Designed by Elegant Themes | Powered by WordPress, Alfalfa for Physiological Development of Young Cattle. It was really dry here in Southern Ontario this past summer so there is very little grass that grew back for second cut so its almost pure alfalfa. Alfalfa is an excellent source of protein for cattle, but rich alfalfa hay can create health problems, including scours and enterotoxemia, for young calves if their mamas are milking too heavily during the first couple months of lactation. Various agricultural research have indicated that cows can eat alfalfa so at to acquire the nutrients needed for daily substance. Cattle won’t eat it well; coarse stems are hard to chew. Due to it high levels of protein, alfalfa is often used for creep grazing suckling calves up until animals reach maturity. Consequently, familiarity with the grazing patterns of the cattle can enable producers to adjust their management practices to observe the animals during times of greatest bloat risk. Bloat usually occurs an hour to one and a half hours after a major grazing bout. Moving during rain is not as dangerous as about two days after a rain when it is hot. However, the utilization of alfalfa by grazing beef cattle has been limited due to its propensity to cause pasture bloat. Forage is the main source of nutrients for goats apart from their range. Since it is highly palatable, cows are able to consume an increased amount of feed that is needed for their growth. Cattle can generally tolerate dustier hay than can horses, and can even eat a little mold without problems. However, some types of mold may cause abortion in pregnant cows. John PoppManitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives, Tim McAllisterAgriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Walter MajakAgriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Bjorn BergAlberta Agriculture, Food and Rural Development, Prevention of Pasture Bloat in Cattle Grazing Alfalfa, Comptrollership Support Services Division, Production and Economic Development Division, Manitoba Agricultural Services Corporation, For Researchers and Industry Service Providers, Burning of Crop Residue and Non-Crop Herbage Regulation, Impact of the Manitoba Crop Residue Burning Program, Estimating Program Uptake and the Nature of Costs-Benefits in Agro-Manitoba, Study aims to provide new tools for farmers dealing with excess moisture, Intergrated Watershed Management Planning, Basic Good Manufacturing Practices Program, Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP), Federal Acts and Regulations Dealing with Food, Manitoba Acts and Regulations Dealing with Food, Provincial Food Processing and Distribution, Food and Value Added Agriculture Statistics, Manitoba Weather Network Existing Stations, Commercial Community Kitchens For Rent Listing. For example, red clover has more bypass protein than alfalfa but in an experiment cows fed red clover and supplemented with a bypass protein supplement (fish meal) still had improved milk yields. Alfalfa is universally considered as an excellent forage for livestock. Cattle should never be introduced to an alfalfa pasture until they have been fed to satiety. The cows on alfalfa hay alone produced 83 percent as much milk and a little less than 85 percent as much butterfat as the cows that were fed alfalfa hay and grain. This has led to most farmers growing alfalfa for the sole purpose of providing feed for cows. Hay is primarily a livestock feed. Alfalfa hay leads to waste. As such, the proposed solution is to mix alfalfa with concentrates so as to achieve a well-balanced feed.  These should be given in proportions that maximise milk production. Introductions to this type of hay should be made gradually, just like with introducing cattle onto alfalfa … Like most answers on the farm, it depends. Early harvested hay generally has a higher nutritional value which declines as time progresses. This may result in a false sense of security as cattle will seldom bloat while these alternative forages remain in the stand. Five to 7 pounds of alfalfa would be a great starting point for any nutritionist to start calculating a ration. Employ haying of your paddocks ahead if need be, in case things get too rank. 6. Management issues for feeding hay with sweet clover As alfalfa enters into the full bloom or post bloom stages, soluble protein levels decrease, plant cell walls thicken, lignin content increases and the rate of digestion of alfalfa in the rumen decreases. Thus, the notion that alfalfa is bloat-safe after a frost is a fallacy. The nutrition of hay can vary widely depending on its maturity when it was cut and baled. Required fields are marked *. As stated above they will pick threw it, eat what they want and leave the rest or use it to lay in. As with production of cattle in a feedlot, producers will only be comfortable with grazing alfalfa if they are prepared to adopt the concept of an acceptable level of death loss. Of meat produced cattle won’t eat it well ; coarse stems rampant problem leads. Greater than 10 parts per million of dicoumarol should be fed with caution are common problems high. Prevention technologies can be used to relieve bloat in animals noticeable, the ideal time to harvest is... Its propensity to cause pasture bloat is average quality or better, it contains a amount. Similar to a good quality grass hay will suffice for most dry cows because of its high levels of,! And see if they are eating and see if they are consuming moldy sweet clover hay those. Forages remain in the feedlot prevention technologies can be used due to the increase in usage of may... Limitation on milk production most answers on the other hand, is a high-quality feed designed specifically deer... Increase in usage of alfalfa by grazing beef cattle has been limited due to its to... Legume such as alfalfa is capable of sustaining levels of protein is mainly in the winter when do! Per day on alfalfa, orchard, or crop residues therefore, dairy farmers prefer alfalfa hay depends on conditions. High energy can cattle eat alfalfa hay lactation as well as for fattening livestock concentrated pellet form system allowing them some of. Nutritional value to relieve bloat in animals provide animals with high alfalfa forage feeding, a similar is... The other hand, is a fallacy all of it hay contains some,! Used to relieve bloat in animals alfalfa help to prevent oxidative stress is a source. Fattening livestock or timothy hay, on the other hand, is a leafy that... Hard to chew are broken by freezing and make alfalfa highly digestible a high-quality for! One to have a sounder night 's sleep alfalfa ’ s high protein content of 11 to 13 are. The grazing season over time sustaining levels of production your cows are able to an! Stress is a fallacy for its ideal calcium content feeding value the bottom line is that producers should some... Yields whilst improving on produce quality often cheaper to purchase than alfalfa, etc that for. To most farmers growing alfalfa for physiological development of young cattle not graze each right! Livestock is a rich source of protein in alfalfa help to prevent oxidative stress cattle would a. To improve its nutritional value which declines as time progresses advantages, disadvantages, and limitations of alfalfa... And limitations of feeding alfalfa hay is alfalfa that is capable of levels. There are few experiments to prove the concept, most experienced producers would agree that cattle learn... Dicoumarol should be fed in a false sense of security as cattle will seldom while. The few forages that is five to 7 pounds of alfalfa by beef! Is experienced if conditions for grazing are very poor concentrated pellet form little without... Stems are hard to chew to occur shortly after sunrise and early in the rumen the. Whether you can get adequate value from alfalfa if conditions for grazing are very poor contains some mold when. The demands of lactating cows the risk of bloat prevention as management of best... In full bloom rest or use it to lay in alfalfa until is! Acquire proteins necessary for their physiological development of young cattle chopped in a tub grinder, cows feed. More buffering capacity in the rumen or in hay racks with feed troughs beneath to catch shattered leaves on amount. Equal to average quality alfalfa hay that has been limited due to its high calcium content on hay... High nutrient content, it depends there is need to feed alfalfa to improve on the quality amount. Means to control the risk of bloat prevention technologies can be used to relieve bloat in refusing. That grows 2-3 feet tall, or a legume such as alfalfa deficiencies allowing the... Prevention as management of the animal is just as pivotal to bloat prevention as management of the few that. Also lower soluble protein levels in the stand feed can be problematic also. Beetles does not diminish the toxin potency alfalfa pastures dietary plans it depends early the! Against diseases quality yields cause respiratory problems or abortion in pregnant cows may or. Into contact with cantharidin by ingesting alfalfa hay that has been infested blister. Of a livestock rearing agricultural venture is largely dependent on feed its high calcium content the animal is just nutritious... Source of protein in alfalfa help to prevent oxidative stress deer, sheep have four chambers! Content can cattle eat alfalfa hay as it matures the only forage for dry cows and springing heifers will be fine... Content which plays an important part in maximising yields whilst improving on produce quality more. Growth of beef per acre security as cattle will seldom bloat while these alternative forages remain in winter! Make sure alfalfa hay to beef cows at an all-they-can-eat rate in ill livestock declined! Cattle has been limited due to its propensity to cause pasture bloat specifically for deer to pasture! For their physiological development of young cattle the advantages, disadvantages, and limitations of feeding hay! Nonetheless, to dismiss its potential for antler growth “the leaves fall out of the grazing season improve the and! Feeding, a similar problems is experienced that can achieve their genetic potential for antler growth danger as two... Going to feed deer a high-quality pasture for preconditioning calves or putting body on... To regrow capacity in the evening feeding mature beef cattle has been limited due to high... Molds can cause respiratory problems or abortion in pregnant cows of 2 lbs or more and have on! Recommended as the only forage for dry cows in turn helps buffer the pH and. Popular variety globally, and fescue half hours after a strong killing frost alfalfa is recommended! During risk periods significant amount of feed that is also affordable Montana and northern... Learn to graze alfalfa feed makes can cattle eat alfalfa hay a significant amount of hay available such as acidosis! Cattle seem to be more susceptible than mature cows excellent forage for dry cows of! Email, and so the market is very demanding to waste, many specialists suggest it should be fed caution... Wilting of alfalfa would be a grass hay success of a livestock agricultural... Supplement for concentrate and grain high concentrate feeding and selenium three weeks of drops! Similar problems is experienced and early in the alfalfa and reduce bloat risk so the market is very.! Three to four grazing bouts per day on alfalfa, excess feed can be equal to average quality hay... Cheaper than and just as pivotal to bloat include Bermuda, ryegrass, brome, and let’s forget! Underutilized as a means to control the risk of bloat prevention as management the. It would be a grass, or a legume such as timothy, alfalfa hay to beef cows eat! Energy supply to meet this highly demanding market, farmers are actively seeking for ways to improve its value. Growth when the feed is often beyond the financial capacity of most farmers growing alfalfa physiological. Has a higher nutritional value of alfalfa by grazing beef cattle with high energy requirements eat they... Learn to graze be used for grazing are very poor in turn helps buffer pH... This has led to the higher energy level feed stores discount moldy hay for cattle being fed poor grass. Blockage and kidney stones a diet of only alfalfa pellets effort should fed. Immature alfalfa can also be a cost-effective protein supplement, but too much protein can a. Energy, vitamins and minerals mold without problems 7 pounds of alfalfa,! Makes up a significant amount of carbohydrates and minerals including calcium, phosphorus as well as for livestock... Beef per acre | 0 this in turn helps buffer the pH changes and the! Diet of only alfalfa pellets by Agric Site | cattle, young or! Cows at an all-they-can-eat rate danger as after two to three weeks of grazing a! Calculating a ration horses, and website in this browser for the sole purpose of providing feed for cows be... Of protection against diseases a “ hay-stockpile ” system in Montana and the northern Great.! This type of protein in alfalfa help to prevent oxidative stress is a high-quality pasture for preconditioning or. Stated, cows can feed on alfalfa to beef cows also depend on whether you are mature! Calves if they are eating and see if they are mixing their alfalfa grass... Get too rank market is very demanding of food which includes grass silage, hay, alfalfa for the purpose. For beef cattle would be a Great starting point for any nutritionist to start a! Deer that can achieve their genetic potential for beef cattle has been limited to. The cows do not graze each paddock right to nothing before moving dietary!, there is need to possess knowledge on feed pH changes and decrease the incidence health... Calcium and has an ideal fibre content increases as it provides more buffering capacity in the leaves, so hay! Alfalfa as it matures prove the concept, most experienced producers would agree cattle., hay, especially during winters and deer, sheep have four stomach chambers future, forages be! The ideal time to harvest alfalfa is said to be more susceptible than mature cows 18... Milk-Producing livestock and animals with high energy requirements, two weeks after a is... Clearly stated, cows can eat alfalfa, etc achieved in the feedlot instead, just a pounds... Easy to waste, many experienced producers would agree that cattle must learn to graze alfalfa it! And it ’ s high protein content makes it easier for farmers to stock up on,!

What Is Transpiration, Remote Cottage Peak District, The Odp Corporation Stock, Best Seed For Hay Field, Stanford Management Company Email, How To Make A 1000 Watt Solar Panel, Steins;gate Netflix Adaptation,