The high nutritional value of alfalfa hay makes it an ideal supplement for horses in need. But there are some things to keep in mind before feeding it to your horse.
High protein diets can cause horses to feel hot, sweat more, and pass urine more often. This can be a problem for endurance horses and those diagnosed with HYPP.
Pros
Alfalfa is high in protein and digestible energy, making it a good choice for working horses. It can also be used to help underweight horses gain weight.
Alfalfa hay tends to be more nutrient-dense than grass hay when harvested at the same stage of maturity. It typically contains higher levels of crude protein and calcium and lower levels of nonstructural carbohydrates, such as sugars and starches. This makes it a great option for horses with lower energy needs, such as senior horses or those in training.
It is also an excellent fiber source, which helps prevent constipation in horses and improve digestion and overall health. In addition, it is high in antioxidants, which can help prevent diseases in the horse.
However, alfalfa is a legume, which means that it can lead to bloat in some horses. This is usually not as serious as the bloat that occurs in other ruminants, such as cattle or sheep, but it can still be a problem. It is important to monitor a horse’s dietary intake and keep the amount of alfalfa in check to avoid bloat issues.
Storing alfalfa hay can be challenging and requires extra care to protect it from mold, weeds, foreign objects, blister beetles, and other pests. Additionally, the high-calorie content of alfalfa hay can make it too rich for some horses. It is essential to balance the alfalfa ration with good quality grass hay or pellets, especially for working horses that require increased energy.
Alfalfa is a great choice for a healthy horse, but it is not recommended for horses with certain conditions. Due to the high levels of energy and crude protein, alfalfa should not be fed to horses with small or large intestine ulcers, liver disease, or kidney problems. This is because these horses may need to pass more urine and sweat to excrete the excess energy from the hay. Additionally, high-protein feeds can increase the risk of gout in some horses. It is important to consult a veterinarian to determine the best diet for each horse. In addition to a good diet, ensure the safety and well-being of the horses. This can be done by putting up horse fencing made of sturdy material which can provide a visual barrier to reduce stress and prevent horses from being spooked by external stimuli.
Cons
Alfalfa can make a horse hot or overly energetic if not fed properly. High in protein and digestible energy, it’s best used for horses with a high level of work to do. It can also cause colic if not properly fed to horses that need a lot of energy.
Alfalfa has a higher protein content than grass hay. This makes it harder to break down energy in the body and may lead to digestive problems if not balanced with other forages or supplements. Alfalfa hay also tends to be harder to cure and bale, so producers take longer to get alfalfa to market.
When used in a grazing program, a producer must carefully plan stocking rates to match the yield potential of the stand. This means a producer needs to consider the number of paddocks, pasture recovery periods, stocking rate, and access to water, minerals, and salt. Producers should also carefully consider the amount of labor required to maintain the rotational grazing system.
It’s important to note that grazing alfalfa can be just as risky as grazing any other crop. When cattle graze an alfalfa field too long, the plants will be damaged, and their ability to grow new buds is diminished. In addition, weeds can become more aggressive when they are allowed to crowd out alfalfa plants.
Another concern is the potential for bloating, a condition that affects ruminants and can be life-threatening. Many producers fear bloat when considering grazing alfalfa. However, if a producer follows the proper precautions, bloat is not a significant threat.
The best way to minimize bloat risks is by using a rotational grazing program with a mixture of different forages. This includes grass hay, oats, and corn. Young horses with a predisposition for growth problems should not be fed an alfalfa diet, as the excess of protein can lead to contracted tendons. Instead, good-quality grass hay and a ration balancer or vitamin and mineral supplement are appropriate for these horses. This helps balance their diets’ high levels of crude protein and energy.
Side Effects
Alfalfa is a high-protein legume. Its protein content ranges from 14% for low-quality alfalfa to 25% for dairy grade. It is also a rich source of calcium. Because of these properties, alfalfa is a valuable addition to any diet. However, some horses may be sensitive to this plant or have trouble digesting it. It is important to monitor these horses closely. Feeding too much alfalfa can cause protein overload in the horse. Excess protein is converted to ammonia in the hindgut, causing gastric indigestion and other health issues. This excess protein can also lead to oxidative stress on the liver and kidneys, leading to disease.
When grazing, it is essential to provide other forage sources in addition to alfalfa. This helps prevent over-grazing, which can damage the plants and reduce yield. Harvesting the alfalfa before it matures into the late vegetative or early flowering stages is recommended, as these plants produce more lignin and less protein. Earlier maturing plants are also more palatable.
The high levels of energy and protein in alfalfa make it a good choice for ill or injured horses. Providing this type of hay can help restore lost body weight, aid digestion, and support healing.
Heavily pregnant or lactating mares and young, rapidly growing horses benefit from the protein in alfalfa. The plant acts as a galactagogue, helping mares produce milk for their foals.
People consume alfalfa as an herbal supplement or in the form of sprouted seeds, which are known as alfalfa sprouts. These are a very good source of vitamins A, B6, C, and K. They are also rich in minerals like copper, calcium, magnesium, and potassium. People also take alfalfa to regulate blood sugar, lower cholesterol, and ease menopausal symptoms.
Sprouting alfalfa seeds in moist conditions is an easy way to prepare them for consumption. Sprouting also provides a higher level of nutrient content than hay, as it contains chlorophyll and other antioxidants. It is recommended to rinse and drain the sprouts frequently. It is also important to store them out of direct sunlight to avoid contamination by bacteria. The sprouts can be purchased at most grocery stores, but it is also possible to grow them yourself.
Recommendations
Despite its bad reputation, alfalfa hay is an excellent source of protein, calories, and calcium. In addition, it is a good choice for underweight horses and those in training because it tends to have more digestible energy and crude protein than grass forage at the same stage of maturity. Alfalfa also has fewer nonstructural carbohydrates (sugars and starches) than grass hay.
It’s also a great option for broodmares because it provides the extra calories and protein they need to produce high-quality milk for their foals. Ideally, this supplemental feed should be given along with a calorie-dense concentrate specifically formulated for mares.
Geriatric horses often become thin and underweight as they age, as their ability to digest and metabolize nutrients becomes compromised. The highly digestible energy, protein, and calcium in alfalfa can help aging horses maintain their weight and health.
Alfalfa may make some horses hot if fed in large quantities or if the horse is not in need of the energy/nutrients provided by the feed. However, it is important to note that this typically occurs as a result of feeding the horse inappropriately rather than because of the feed itself.
Although many horse owners worry about the potential for bloat associated with alfalfa, this is rarely the case. It is more common for a horse to develop bloating when consuming excessive amounts of any forage, particularly those not needing extra protein or calories.
When alfalfa is used in a rotational grazing system with other forages, it can be an excellent addition to any horse’s diet. This type of grazing allows for greater control over forage quality and quantity and helps minimize weeds and other invasive plants in the pasture. As with all grazing systems, it is essential to regularly observe the horse’s condition and body weight to maintain the proper balance of nutrient intake. In addition, a rotational grazing system allows hay to be harvested at the correct time in the season, reducing feed costs and maximizing nutrient yield per acre.
