Pellets - Frequently Asked Questions

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 %	66.6	61.5
Crude Fibre	25	28
Acid Det. Fibre	34	35
Calcium	1.5	1.5
Phosphorus	0.22	0.21
Potassium	2.39	2.35
Copper mg/kg	11	11
Manganese mg/kg	34	34
Zinc mg/kg	21	21
Magnesium %	0.32	0.32
Selenium mg/kg	0.37	0.35

*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
Barley	83.17	12.3
Oats	76.16	11.6
Wheat	88.18	15.8
HAY
Alfalfa	59.12	17.7
Alfalfa-grass	56.12	14.5
Native	48.60	9.0
Brome	51.11	9.9
GREENFEED
Barley	60.13	10.0
Oats	57.62	9.4
SILAGE
Barley	60.13	10.9
Oats	57.62	10.0
STRAW
Barley	45.09	4.7
Oats	49.10	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

• Pellets contain approximately 80% of the energy, when compared to rolled barley grain on a pound for pound basis.
• Digestive upsets and even deaths may result if finely processed feeds are not supplemented with roughage (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 feed, compare available feeds on the basis of energy 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.

Prepared by Nanita Blomquist, Alberta Ag-Info Centre, Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development