Alfalfa
Alfalfa Medicago sp ., commonly known as lucerne, is a leguminous plant. It is favored by farmers for its high yield and high quality forage. The word “alfalfa” comes from Arabic and means “the best hay.” Today, lucerne is often called the queen of forage plants. Due to its high protein content and easy digestibility, it is
Alfalfa is a great plant for hay and silage. Another of its advantages is its high content of carotene, vitamin E and minerals. Alfalfa can be given to almost all domestic animals.
Why dry alfalfa in a dryer and not in the field?
Drying in a dryer allows you to ensure a high nutritional content of the feed: the high protein, mineral and vitamin content means that the nutritional value of alfalfa is similar to that of concentrated feed. The beta-carotene content in alfalfa pellets/bales is 3–5 times higher than in regular silage or hay. It is also easy to transport, store and use.
Beta-carotene efficiency of alfalfa pellets/bales compared to synthetic beta-carotene
*Beta-carotene is a precursor to vitamin A. Beta-carotene strengthens the immune system, heals mucous membranes and improves animal fertility. In cows, it accelerates uterine contractions after childbirth, reduces early embryonic mortality and the risk of ovarian cyst formation. An optimal amount of beta-carotene increases milk production in cows. For example, when dairy cows are given 300 mg of beta-carotene daily, milk production increases by 6.4%. Beta-carotene reduces the number of somatic cells in milk and improves udder health. Beta-carotene improves digestion and increases cellulose digestion.
Protein and nutrient content remaining after processing:
| Protein | All nutrients | Protein not broken down in the stomach | |
| Alfalfa pellets/bales | 95% | 92% | 40% |
| Alfalfa dried in the field | 50 – 80% | 50 – 70% | 20% |
| Silage | 75 - 85% | 70% | 15% |
| Dried alfalfa | Hay | |
| Protein | 16 – 20% | 4 - 9% |
| Digestible protein | 15 – 19% | 3 – 7.5% |
| Energy NEL | 5.8 MJ | 3.4 MJ |
| Vitamins | beta-carotene; biotin; vitamins A, B, C, D, E, K, P, U | Vitamins are almost completely lacking |
| Minerals | Contains a lot of: Ca, Fe, K, Mg, P | Low concentration |
| Taste | Very good | Bad |
- promotes salivation, increases appetite
- digestible
- improve work efficiency
- increases animal fertility ; accelerates recovery after calving
- improve health
- contains a lot of vitamins : beta-carotene, biotin and vitamins A, B, C, D, E, K, P, U
- high mineral content: Ca, Fe, K, Mg, P
- better usability than other protein sources (sunflower or rapeseed feed or press)
- GMO-free
- easy to transport, convenient to store and use
- dust-free
- high Ca:P ratio; suitable for dry feed with grain (low Ca:P ratio)
- can be used in feed distribution robots
- less microorganism contamination
- less damage compared to hay and silage
- lower risk of illness
- less pesticide pollution
- does not create an acidic environment in the stomach, unlike grains; high buffering capacity.
- improves the reproductive ability of animals; accelerates recovery after calving
- increase milk production
- improves wool quality (in sheep, alpacas)
- slowly absorbed protein (70% absorbed in 10 – 15 hours)
- contains 40% protein that is not broken down in the stomach.
- Good source of calcium
- when added to feed, the yolk turns dark yellow
- the eggshell becomes stronger because alfalfa granules contain a lot of calcium
- reduces the amount of cholesterol in chicken meat
- improves appetite and health
- added 3% to the feed for weaned piglets
- added to feed by 10% to produce leaner meat
- reduces feed consumption
- the amount of available sulfur increases (less sulfur in phytate compounds)
- increases the number of piglets born alive
- ensures healthy skin and saliva and a shiny coat
- cleanses the reproductive organs and eyes
- improves fertility thanks to vitamins A and D and beta-carotene.
- reduces the risk of respiratory diseases
- the fur is shinier
- increases the number of chinchillas born alive
- dairy cows - 3.5 kg per day
- beef cattle - 2 kg per day
- calves – 20 – 25% of feed
- meatballs - 10–15% of the feed
- Rabbits – up to 25% of dry feed
- sheep, goats – 0.3 – 1.0 kg per day
- dairy sheep - maximum 40% of dry feed
- ewes – maximum 20% of dry feed
- ewes with sheep - maximum 50% dry feed
- meat sheep – 25 – 40% of feed
- pigs – 3 – 8% of dry feed
- pregnant sows – 10 – 50% of the feed, increasing the dose gradually
- Laying hens - up to 4% of the feed, broilers up to 10% of the feed
- horses – 0.5 – 2.0 kg per day depending on the horse’s weight and workload; 17–19% of the feed
- foals – 170 – 350 kg – 0.5 kg per day; 500 kg hobby horse – 1 – 2 kg per day; 500 kg competition horse – 2 – 3 kg per day. It is recommended to use wet granules (pour water over and let stand for 30 min.)
- Alpacas – 0.3 – 0.4 kg per day
- Chinchillas - up to 25% of the feed
- Ostriches – 10% of the feed for 3-6 month olds (reduce the amount of soy feed and wheat); 25-45% of the feed for winter breeding birds (reduce the amount of wheat and hay)
