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NEW! Alfalfa Hay Bale, 40 lbs
SKU #'s
- ALFALFA40
$19.99
- Delivery Available with Online Checkout
- Not Available In-store at Colchester Mackey's
- Available In-store at Willimantic Mackey's
- Available In-store at Woodstock Mackey's
Alfalfa is a legume hay in the pea family and is sometimes called “lucerne.” When properly cured, alfalfa is the best of the legume hays from a nutrient standpoint. Alfalfa is used for horses, dairy cows, beef cattle, sheep, chickens, turkeys and other farm animals, and has the most feed value of all the perennial pasture forages.
Nutritional Benefits
With its high nutritional quality, Alfalfa hay is one of the best and most popular animal feed varieties.
High Vitamin Content
Alfalfa has a high nutritional quality, containing vitamins A, D, E, K, U, C, B1, B2, B6, B12, Niacin, Pantothenic acid, Inositol, Biotin, and Folic acid.
High Protein and Calcium
In comparison to grass hay, Alfalfa is more palatable and superior in energy, calcium, and protein.
High Mineral Count
Alfalfa contains the minerals Phosphorus, Calcium, Potassium, Sodium, Chlorine, Sulfur, Magnesium, Copper, Manganese, Iron, Cobalt, Boron, Molybdenum and trace elements such as Nickel, Lead, Strontium and Palladium.
Alfalfa Hay’s Benefits for Horses
A horse fed Alfalfa as part of its daily ration will meet its need for protein while receiving essential vitamins and minerals. The high protein and mineral needs of young horses and lactating mares make Alfalfa an essential part of any feeding program.
Alfalfa Hay’s Benefits for Cows
Alfalfa Hay is a popular choice in the export and domestic markets for top-producing dairy cows. It supports rumen health and fermentative digestion, promoting total health in animals. This efficient feed source meets the high energy and nutrition requirements of lactation and is the most popular feed variety for cows and livestock around the world.
What is the difference between Alfalfa and Timothy Hay?
Alfalfa Hay and Timothy Hay are two distinct varieties of forage that cater to different nutritional needs of livestock and pets. Alfalfa Hay, a legume, is characterized by its rich, deep-green color, softer texture, and high protein, calcium, and energy content, making it an ideal choice for young, growing animals and lactating or pregnant animals that require extra nutrients.
On the other hand, Timothy Hay, a grass hay, boasts a paler green hue, coarser texture, and a more balanced fiber-to-protein ratio, promoting healthy digestion and reducing the risk of obesity. This makes Timothy Hay an excellent option for adult animals or those with lower nutritional demands, such as horses with a low to moderate work regimen, or small herbivores like rabbits and guinea pigs.
What is the Nutritional Benefit of Alfalfa Hay?
Alfalfa has a high nutritional quality, containing vitamins A, D, E, K, U, C, B1, B2, B6, B12, Niacin, Pantothenic acid, Inositol, Biotin, and Folic acid. Alfalfa also contains the minerals Phosphorus, Calcium, Potassium, Sodium, Chlorine, Sulfur, Magnesium, Copper, Manganese, Iron, Cobalt, Boron, Molybdenum and trace elements such as Nickel, Lead, Strontium and Palladium.
Horses require trace minerals to combat skeletal distress and help in the bone development of young growing horses. When Alfalfa is fed to horses along with a diet of Timothy hay, they will receive many of the nutrients required and all of the fiber needed to build the base of a strong nutritional program.
How Much Alfalfa Do Horses Need?
A horse needs a fairly small amount of protein per day. Roughly 3/4 to 1 pound of digestible protein (DP) will meet most horses’ daily requirement. This need can be met by supplying Alfalfa as half of a horse’s roughage. Feeding horses Alfalfa reduces or even eliminates the need for supplements which often have a laxative effect. Our commitment to supplying high quality Alfalfa year round gives horses a consistent and safe supply of protein.
