Alfalfa Hay Underutilized in the Beef Cow Industry

Winter is a struggle for farmers trying to keep the weight on their cattle. Grazing is limited, and cattle need supplements in order to stay healthy and gain weight. Alfalfa hay is a supplement that does these things for beef cattle. Many farmers believe this hay is too expensive, but it can actually bring a positive return on investment.

Why Alfalfa Hay Should Be Used More           

Alfalfa hay has proven to help cattle gain weight during the winter months. A farm in Missouri reported its six-weight steers gained 2.10 pounds per day when fed alfalfa hay with silage. Alfalfa hay is highly nutritious, with about 60 percent or more being digestible nutrients. Around 20 percent is crude protein, which is more than double what plain grass hay contains. These nutrients help the digestive process and allow the cattle to absorb vitamins and nutrients more easily.

Besides weight gain, research from the University of Nevada has also shown that cows supplemented with alfalfa hay are generally healthier. One problem that beef cattle typically encounter is Vitamin A deficiency. Green alfalfa hay contains a lot of Vitamin A, along with many minerals. The weight gain and nutrients make this supplement much more cost effective than alternatives.

Tips for Switching to Alfalfa Hay

The rich protein can cause digestive upset if the diet is switched too quickly, so it”s recommended to gradually transition the cattle over to the alfalfa hay supplement. Livestock specialists recommend feeding four to five pounds per day during the winter months once the transition is complete. The average doesn”t mean the cattle need to be fed that amount every single day; some farmers will alternate days depending on how far the feeders are.

Prices for alfalfa hay can be very competitive during haying season. First-cut hay is richer, which is ideal for the young and nursing calves.

A covered storage area is required for keeping alfalfa hay.

Increased Demand

Besides the benefit to the cattle, more and more consumers are desiring grass fed beef. Switching out traditional supplements with alfalfa hay can put those cattle in the in-demand beef market. It”s another way farmers can earn more money by switching to this supplement.