What is Alfalfa Hay and Why is it So Important in 2024?
Alfalfa hay is one thing among many that I was introduced to when I began to learn about horse nutrition. Whether I am feeding performance horses, thin horses, or mares with foals, alfalfa hay is very often the base in their rations.
And, at the same time, I met that there is actually a limit to everything, even good things in the life. In the following article, I’ll share all the knowledge I have concerning alfalfa hay for horses including the nutrition facts and adequate feeding.
What is Alfalfa Hay?
Alfalfa hay is feeding from the legume group, which I also like so much because it has lots of nutrients and suitable for feeding horse that require energetic terms. Alfalfa is, however, richer in protein and calcium than the common grass hays.
It is most helpful for certain breeds of horses but, I always have to think of the requirement of each horse in particular that is when I might opt for it.
History of Alfalfa
Hay Alfalfa hay has been applied as feed for a very long time, possibly as early as 2000 B.C. Traditionally, it was cultivated in ancient Persia and Greece, it was used to feed cattle.
When I gave the idea a second thought, it washed over me why alfalfa which has existed for such longevity has only come into light in the process of feeding horses in recent centuries. Now it is present in many diets of horses all over the world.
Characteristics of Alfalfa Hay
They follow characteristics of Alfalfa hay as described by Roseler, Frank, Owens and Sowell (2005).
- Alfalfa hay is rich in green leaves as well as having a special sweet like fragrance about them.
- For equine consumption alfalfa must be bright green in colour with a favourable and sweet smell to show they are fresh and of high quality.
- This is evident for handy to ensure that you do not purchase brown or that has a musty smell, this may show that the hay is old or not well stored.
Nutritional Information About Alfalfa Hay
The first reason why I prefer using alfalfa hay is because it has good quality nutrients. Special mention goes to foals and other more active horses because alfalfa balances their high energy needs.
Key Nutrients in Alfalfa
Alfalfa hay is a powerful source of nearly all the nutrients needed for the formation of muscles, bones as well as organs such protein, calcium and vitamins respectively.
The horses which must build muscle mass or even lactate seem to fare well on this hay. It is a place for success and rehabilitation.
Protein Content in Alfalfa
The reasonable amount of protein, which could be as high as 18-20%, in alfalfa hay is one among the reasons I use it. Protein is used in the building of new muscle tissue as well as in the repair of micro-damage in muscles used by young, growing horses or horses in high training).
I always make sure the amount of food given to the horse as a whole counterbalances this protein in specific yet an excess of protein triggers other problems such as excessive ammonia in the urine of the horse.
Organic Salts of Vitamin and Mineral
Alfalfa hay contains numerous vitamins including vitamin A, vitamin D and Vitamin E and minerals which include calcium and magnesium.
I see to it that when adding it to my horses foods they take good amounts of these necessary nutrients.
But I also monitor calcium as alfalfa hay may contain more calcium than my horses require if in staking growth or lactation status.
Alfalfa Hay vs. Grass
Hay When it comes to alfalfa hay and grass hay products I always consider the advantages and disadvantages for a horse’s diet.
While both kinds of hay can be an important part of a horse’s diet, it is important to understand the differences before feeding your horse.
Comparison of Nutrients
Alfalfa is usually very rich in protein and calcium while grass hay (like timothy, or orchard grass) has a lower protein and calcium content but higher fiber content. If my horse is a hard working animal, or if it is a growing foal then extra energy from alfalfa is good.
The low energy of mature horses will require grass hay as an ideal diet as compared to a young horse that has high energy demand.
Digestibility and feeding habits
Another thing that I was able to find out is that alfalfa hay is much more digestible than the grass hay and contains more energy per pound.
But the problem arises in the case of horses because they can ingest food as often as they want and I have to be completely watchful. However, there are issues associated with excessive intake of this grass for example weight gain or colic.
When to Choose Alfalfa Over Grass Hay
In my practice, I believe that the choice between feeding alfalfa as compared to grass hay amounts to choosing horses. If I have a small horse, a freshening brood mare, or a hard keeper with elevated energy demands due to training, then we use alfalfa.
If my horse is already having an issue such as laminitis or if the horse needs to be put on a diet, then grass hay would be OK.
Benefits of Feeding Horses Alfalfa Hay
Alfalfa hay is also recommended to have a number of benefits when feeding, and I have reconsidered the notion as correct after observing the improved health of the horse.
Promotes Muscle Growth
Among the many benefits, which I have noticed, the one should mention muscle building for young or working horses that involves using alfalfa hay.
The products are packed with the right levels of protein needed for muscle rebuild and repair after vigorous exercise to enhance strength and endurance.
Ideal for Underweight Horses
Any time I have a horse that has a hard time staying fat, which is often after an illness or especially when they have been trained heavily, alfalfa hay always do the trick for them.
Formatted with more calories it offers a safe opportunity to gain some pounds without stressing the horse’s stomach.
Supports Lactating Mares
The standard nutrient requirement of the mare is particularly challenging to achieve if she’s lactating solely on grass hay. Alfalfa offers the added protein and calcium need in order to produce milk.
I have used it in the past with good results especially during the times that mares are being nursed new born foals.
Risks of Feeding Too Much Alfalfa
From this experience it has been realized how useful alfalfa hay is, but at the same time how much it should not be offered at once. If one over feeds, then there are certain health consequences that I ensure I do not face.
Overfeeding and Obesity
It is of high calorie and if I give my horse too many alfalfa hays then it will lead to obesity. The horses that are not very active, or what we call the easy keepers don’t need the added calories that are in alfalfa so I make sure to switch around the feed.
Possible Causes of Colic and Laminitis
Over indulgence in these hays causes colic and laminitis in horses especially those that are sensitive to high quality feeds.
Something has to be done about alfalfa and I have chosen to introduce it slowly and observe its impact on the horse. Alfalfa hay as a protein source for feeding animals
How to Properly Feed Alfalfa Hay
I have finally found a way to feed my horse with alfalfa hay and at the same time avoiding all the risks that it poses.
Mixing Alfalfa with Grass Hay
I have tried many techniques which are possible to feed the alfalfa hay and one of the most effective ways I have found is by combining it with the Grass Hay.
It also regulates the amount of fat and calorie and protein content which my horse should consume. It also enables me to ration my alfalfa ration a little since it is relatively costly than the grass hay.
Ideal Feeding Amounts
It depends with my horse’s size, level of activity as well as the nutritional value of the hay I need to feed my horse.
I mostly feed approximately 1-2% of the horse’s body weight in the form of hay daily, and depending on the state of the horse the proportion of alfalfa with grass hay varies.
Seasonal Considerations
I have found that during winter or if my horse is ridden frequently or doing heavy work I have to add more alfalfa hay to keep the horse’s weight and energy levels up.
During the summer I reduce the feeding volume to avoid feeding from happening too often.
Methods of Choosing the Best Alfalfa
Hay with feeding my horse, not only the amount of alfalfa hay that is consumed matters, but also its quality.I have come to know that not all hay is the same, thus always ensuring I analyze what I am giving my horse.
Below is what I have discovered to be helpful when searching for the best Alfalfa hay.
Visual Inspection
The first TYLER is to sight the hay.Organic alfalfa hay for instance should be of high quality, this I means that it should a bright green colour to it meaning it has not lost much of its nutrients.
If the appearance of the hay is dull, yellow or brown then there could be a problem such as the hay having been cut when it is too mature or it has been damp and this will have reduced its feed value.
I also check whether or not it has mold or dust that can negatively affect my horse’s breathing.
Smell Test
Quality hay is supposed to smell sweet, fresh.If I find that a room or a house has mold or a stale stink, I do not breathe in the air at all.
A good smell also reassures me that the hay has been well stocked and has not turned rancid.
Leaf-to-Stem Ratio
One of the key aspects therefore is the 4D-leaflet ratio. What I’ve learned is that it is better to use more leaves of the alfalfa hay.
Some of the protein and all the other nutrients are stored in the leaves, so I usually look at that part to ensure the hay isn’t too stalky.
Stems are higher in fiber, it means I will be giving my horse low nutrient values which will not be as ideal for him.
Testing for Nutrient Content
For individual horses with special requirements I occasionally arrange to have the alfalfa hay that they are being fed analyzed.
This is particularly useful if I’m feeding a horse that has a certain metabolic disorder or has a particular performance in mind.
So, by testing the hay I shall be assured my horse is being fed with the right portions of protein, calcium and energy.
How to Store Alfalfa Hay
When it comes to feeding my livestock, after spreading cash on buying the best quality alfalfa hay, the next important thing is storage properly to retain the nutrient value of the hay.
There is nothing more satisfying than having made some mistakes in the past and come out with the best method of storing hay.
Dry, Well-Ventilated Space
I keep my hay in a dry and cool place which should also be adequately ventilated. Water is the worst determinant with regard to the quality of alfalfa hay due to the fact that it results into molding.
I ensure that the hay is stacked off the ground and well clear of walls where humidity may develop. The wooden pallets are ideal because they can be used to place the hay on to get the air to circulate beneath the hay.
Protect from Sunlight
Light also has an effect on the appearance of the hay and the nutrient content especially vitamin A since light causes bleaching of the hay.
Which one of the following can be prevented:
To avoid this I make sure I keep the hay in a shaded place or cover it with a tarp that may breathe. This helps to keep the hay fresh without necessarily harboring moisture.
Rotate Stock
One that has really helped me is the ability to mix or interchange my hays. That’s why, in order to preserve its quality I always give the elder hay first.
This way I can keep a check on times when the hay was purchasing or harvested and thus I shall not waste any of it.
Some of the Daily Myths People Have about Alfalfa Hay for Horses
For me as horse owner, there are a lot of myths and misconceptions about alfalfa hay that I have come across. I decided to underline several myth that I came across throughout these years distinguishing between truth and stereotype.
Myth: Effects Of Alfalfa On Horses:
Makes Them Hyper-Active One thing that owners always complain about is that giving their horse alfalfa hay makes the horse become hyperactive or “hot.”
Even though alfalfa hay has even more calories and protein than grass hay, I have discovered that it results in an increased level of activity in horses rather rarely.
Furthermore, to my surprise, forage alfalfa can provided energy needed for the optimally without making my horse hyper.
Myth: Alfalfa is Too High in Protein for Most Horses
Another myth is that alfalfa hay causes too much protein for most horses. Alfalfa actually contains more protein than other hays, but I have learned that these high protein levels are not awful for most horses.
Muscle requires protein and so young or working horses should be supplied with adequate amounts of protein to meet their muscles need for growth and repair.
As long as the amount i give Exp; as long as i balance the amount I feed, the protein content is good for him/her.
Myth: Alfalfa Causes Kidney Damage
I also learn people have said that because of high calcium content in the alfalfa hay, it leads to renal failure in horses.
But this is not substantiated by data. As far as what I was given to understand a normal horse is capable of assimilating calcium in alfalfa without any complications.
So long as the horse does not already have kidney disease then alfalfa hay was found to be innocuous.
How I Break Alfalfa Hay to My Horse
If ever I decide to change feeds for example adding a new feed like alfalfa hay then I do it slowly. A horse’s diet is sensitive and any interference to this diet causes upset or health problems to the animal.
That is the sequence I use when bringing in alfalfa hay for the first time.
Gradual Transition
It means that to accustom the horse to consume a diet containing alfalfa hay, I add a small portion of this hay type into the horse’s feed that consists of grass hay.
Gradually in a period of one week or two, I supplement the ration by adding more of the alfalfa hay even as I reduce on the grass hay.
This lets my horse’s digestive system settle down, which lowers the chance of colic or other problems.
Observing My Horse’s Health
As a result, Pay attention to how your horse looks while changing the feed. Concerning livestock what I always notice are changes in the form of manure or other forms of unruly behaviours. Depending on any observed abnormalities, I reduce the rate of transition and contact my vet.
Coping by Changing the Intake Level
I find that every horse is unique and therefore adjust the amount of given alfalfa hay in accordance to this.
For instance, the amount shown next to the word ‘al]falfa’ will change depending on whether my horse is in heavy training or not: If my horse is less active, then I feed a small amount so as not to fatten it.
