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Alfalfa Pellets - Frequently Asked Questions | |
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| | Alfalfa pellets can provide a convenient feeding option for smaller operations.
What is the average nutrient content of pellets?
Typical Nutrient Values of Canadian Processed Alfalfa Products
| Nutrient | Dehydrated Alfalfa Pellets | Suncured Alfalfa Pellets |
| Crude Protein % | 18.9 | 17.0 |
| Total Dig. Nutrients % | 63.0 | 61.5 |
| Crude Fibre | 25 | 28 |
| Acid Det. Fibre | 34 | 35 |
| Calcium | 1.5 | 1.5 |
| Phosphorus | 0.18 | 0.18 |
| Potassium | 2.39 | 2.35 |
| Copper mg/kg | 5 | 5 |
| Manganese mg/kg | 34 | 34 |
| Zinc mg/kg | 21 | 21 |
| Magnesium % | 0.32 | 0.32 |
| Selenium mg/kg | .03 | .03 |
*Source: Canadian Dehy
How does this compare to other common feeds in Alberta?
Table 1. Average Energy and Protein Values of Some Alberta Feeds (Dry Basis)
Feedstuff | TDN (%) | Crude
Protein
(%)* |
| GRAINS |  | |
| Corn | 88.18 | 10.0 |
| Barley | 83.17 | 12.3 |
| Oats | 76.16 | 11.6 |
| Wheat | 88.86 | 15.8 |
| HAY |
|  |
| Alfalfa | 61 | 17.7 |
| Alfalfa-grass | 59 | 14.5 |
| Native | 48.60 | 9.0 |
| Brome | 57 | 9.9 |
| GREENFEED | | |
| Barley | 58.0 | 10.0 |
| Oats | 57.62 | 9.4 |
| SILAGE | | |
| Barley | 60.13 | 10.9 |
| Oats | 57.62 | 10.0 |
| STRAW | | |
| Peas | 44.0 | 6.5 |
| Barley | 45.09 | 4.7 |
| Oats | 47.0 | 4.5 |
| Wheat | 41.09 | 3.9 |
* Since protein is listed in percentage, 1 lb of alfalfa hay will contain 0.177 lb of protein 1 kg of alfalfa hay will contain 0.177 kg protein.
Energy content should be used when comparing feeding values, and cost effectiveness.
What are some advantages of feeding pellets?
- Convenience for smaller operations
- Rate of protein and energy digestion in pelleted alfalfa is faster than in cut alfalfa, the increase in bypass protein does not inhibit rumen microflora
- Consumed faster than cut hay, resulting in greater feed consumption and faster gains
- Source of both energy and protein
- Can utilize low quality forages to improve overall forage digestibility and quality
- High amounts of bypass protein, improving digestibility
- Intake control
- Storage requirements reduced
- Less waste
What are some disadvantages of feeding pellets?
- Pellets contain approximately 80% of the energy of rolled barley grain.
- Digestive upsets and even deaths may result if finely processed feeds are not supplemented with effective fibre (the more finely a pellet has been processed, the less roughage it contains).
- Pellets can complete the ration but should not be used as sole source of feed because bloat is a concern.
When buying pellets, what should be considered prior to purchase?
- When buying feed, compare available feeds on the basis of energy and protein content to determine nutritional value relative to price.
- Basic rules for feeding pellets are the same as for feeding grain.
- Get a guaranteed feed analysis including TDN or DE.
Valuing Energy and Protein in Your Livestock Feeds - FAQ
Nutrients for Cattle
Prepared by Ag-Info Centre, Alberta Agriculture and Forestry 310-3276 |
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For more information about the content of this document, contact Barry Yaremcio.
This document is maintained by Marie Glover.
This information published to the web on December 16, 2003.
Last Reviewed/Revised on August 29, 2018.
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