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when to feed alfalfa hay?
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<blockquote data-quote="randiliana" data-source="post: 482028" data-attributes="member: 2308"><p>Around here, and I would have to say, most of western Canada (Sask, Man and Alberta) Alfalfa is one of the main winter feed sources for cows. Alfalfa or Grass Hay (Crested Wheat or Brome) generally sell for about the same price. Timothy, is one grass we don't have in this area, and it is usually higer priced, and more set for the horse market. </p><p></p><p>Alfalfa can have anywhere from 12%(well probably lower too) protien to well over 20% depending on the cutting and baling conditions. On first cut we usually see it around 14%-18%. Second cut of course if cut and baled in good condition can have extremely high protien. </p><p></p><p>During the winter our ration is at least 1/3 alfalfa. This year we are feeding 2/3 alfalfa. The other portion of the ration is rotated between Kochia/grain or Fall Rye greenfeed bales.</p><p></p><p>The only time we don't feed alfalfa is when we have freshly weaned calves. Bloat can be a problem with them. We usually start them on grass hay, and then move them onto alfalfa once they are settled in. </p><p></p><p>On another note, if the quality of alfalfa is good enough, you can see bloat cases. It is rare to see bloat on 1st cut alfalfa, and we have never had a problem but a number of years ago my uncle lost a couple cows on some extremely nice (green) 1st cut.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="randiliana, post: 482028, member: 2308"] Around here, and I would have to say, most of western Canada (Sask, Man and Alberta) Alfalfa is one of the main winter feed sources for cows. Alfalfa or Grass Hay (Crested Wheat or Brome) generally sell for about the same price. Timothy, is one grass we don't have in this area, and it is usually higer priced, and more set for the horse market. Alfalfa can have anywhere from 12%(well probably lower too) protien to well over 20% depending on the cutting and baling conditions. On first cut we usually see it around 14%-18%. Second cut of course if cut and baled in good condition can have extremely high protien. During the winter our ration is at least 1/3 alfalfa. This year we are feeding 2/3 alfalfa. The other portion of the ration is rotated between Kochia/grain or Fall Rye greenfeed bales. The only time we don't feed alfalfa is when we have freshly weaned calves. Bloat can be a problem with them. We usually start them on grass hay, and then move them onto alfalfa once they are settled in. On another note, if the quality of alfalfa is good enough, you can see bloat cases. It is rare to see bloat on 1st cut alfalfa, and we have never had a problem but a number of years ago my uncle lost a couple cows on some extremely nice (green) 1st cut. [/QUOTE]
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