A Brief Discussion on Alfalfa Hay

by Sanjeev Yadav SEO Consultant

Livestock producers present alfalfa every year with its great nutritional value. This everlasting legume is grown all over the world by the producers. It is basically used to feed all the farm animals such as horses, cows, goats, and sheep. If the livestock producers can manage alfalfa stand properly then a quality amount of hay can be produced for at least the next 5 years.

History of Alfalfa Hay

Well, alfalfa hay has a great history. In the 490 B.C., the Persians introduced it to Greece and they provided this grass to feed their army’s cattle. After that gradually alfalfa spread to the land of Italy and then in Spain. The history says that the Spaniards spread this crop to the land of America.

Uses of Alfalfa Hay

Alfalfa Hay has numerous uses due to its nutrition amount. It is so essential for livestock that the Manitoba Government has declared it as the most efficient hunting crop, especially throughout the growing season. In the winter times, alfalfa is cut in square and round shaped hay bundles for feeding livestock. Alfalfa hay is mixed with cubes, meal, and silage to feed the cattle.

Nutrition content of Alfalfa Hay

Alfalfa hay is best known for its protein, mineral, and energy values. It is also low in fibre so its nutrition contents are quickly absorbed in the animal bodies. Alfalfa hay is efficient to provide most of the key nutrients including magnesium, calcium, and potassium. It is also a great source of vitamin K, E, D, and A, niacin, riboflavin, and selenium.

How & When to Harvest…

To make the best use of it, alfalfa hay needs to be harvested at some specific times of the year so that it can grow with the maximum nutrient amount and moisture levels in it. It actually affects the palatability of the crop. The flower emergence plays a great role in the alfalfa grassland. In the months of May and June, the flowers remain at the budding state and start to bloom. To have the first harvest, producers need to wait until the flowers reach the mid-to-bloom stage.

The suppliers in South Africa are experts in supplying the best quality alfalfa hay to their national and international clients. Being supported by a group of expert technicians and engineers, they offer top class warehousing along with standard on-time delivery at the best market prices.

For the best results, alfalfa should be introduced to the animals slowly and in limited amount to enhance their digestive system.