Alfalfa Hay — Livestock Feed Analysis
Alfalfa hay is the premium legume forage in North American livestock production, providing 18% crude protein and 58% TDN on a dry matter basis. Its high protein and calcium content make it ideal for lactating dairy cows, growing young stock, and any animal with elevated nutritional demands. Dairy-quality alfalfa harvested in early bloom can reach 22% crude protein and 64% TDN. Alfalfa should be fed cautiously or avoided entirely for easy keepers including donkeys, miniature horses, and idle adult horses due to its high caloric density. The calcium-to-phosphorus ratio of alfalfa (approximately 5:1) must be balanced with grain or mineral supplements that provide adequate phosphorus. Alfalfa hay is also an excellent source of Vitamin A, Vitamin K, and several B vitamins.
Which Animals Can Alfalfa Hay Feed?
The table below shows how Alfalfa Hay performs as a sole feed source for each of the 20 livestock species in our database. At 18% crude protein and 58% TDN, this feed meets the protein requirement for animals needing up to 18% CP and the energy requirement for animals needing up to 58% TDN. In practice, feeds are rarely used as the sole source; this analysis helps determine where alfalfa hay fits in a mixed ration.
| Animal | Needs CP | Needs TDN | As-Fed/Day | CP Met? | TDN Met? | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beef Cow | 7% | 52% | 26.7 lbs | Yes | Yes | $100.00 |
| Dairy Cow | 16% | 70% | 54.4 lbs | Yes | No | $204.17 |
| Horse | 10% | 55% | 24.4 lbs | Yes | Yes | $91.67 |
| Meat Goat | 10% | 55% | 5.8 lbs | Yes | Yes | $21.88 |
| Dairy Goat | 14% | 65% | 6.7 lbs | Yes | No | $25.00 |
| Sheep | 10% | 55% | 5.8 lbs | Yes | Yes | $21.87 |
| Pig (Sow/Boar) | 14% | 75% | 13.3 lbs | Yes | No | $50.00 |
| Pig (Grower/Finisher) | 16% | 80% | 8.3 lbs | Yes | No | $31.25 |
| Chicken (Layer) | 16% | 70% | 0.2 lbs | Yes | No | $0.83 |
| Chicken (Broiler) | 20% | 78% | 0.3 lbs | No | No | $1.25 |
| Turkey | 22% | 75% | 1.0 lbs | No | No | $3.65 |
| Duck | 16% | 70% | 0.3 lbs | Yes | No | $1.31 |
| Rabbit | 16% | 65% | 0.3 lbs | Yes | No | $1.17 |
| Llama | 10% | 55% | 7.0 lbs | Yes | Yes | $26.25 |
| Alpaca | 10% | 55% | 3.0 lbs | Yes | Yes | $11.25 |
| Donkey | 8% | 50% | 8.3 lbs | Yes | Yes | $31.25 |
| Bison | 7% | 52% | 40.0 lbs | Yes | Yes | $150.00 |
| Elk | 12% | 60% | 22.2 lbs | Yes | No | $83.33 |
| White-tailed Deer | 12% | 60% | 5.6 lbs | Yes | No | $20.83 |
| Miniature Horse | 10% | 55% | 6.7 lbs | Yes | Yes | $25.00 |
Cost Comparison with Similar Feeds
Selecting the most cost-effective feed requires comparing both the as-fed price and the price per ton of dry matter. The table below compares Alfalfa Hay with other feeds in the forage category and common reference feeds. The cost per ton of dry matter accounts for moisture content, providing a fair comparison between feeds with different moisture levels.
| Feed | DM % | CP % | TDN % | $/Ton | $/Ton DM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grass Hay | 88% | 8% | 52% | $150 | $170 |
| Alfalfa Hay | 90% | 18% | 58% | $250 | $278 |
| Timothy Hay | 88% | 9% | 55% | $200 | $227 |
| Bermuda Grass Hay | 88% | 10% | 52% | $160 | $182 |
| Whole Corn | 88% | 9% | 88% | $220 | $250 |
| Pasture Grass (Fresh) | 25% | 12% | 62% | $0 | $0 |
| Alfalfa Hay Cubes | 90% | 17% | 56% | $300 | $333 |
Feeding Guidelines for Alfalfa Hay
When incorporating alfalfa hay into a livestock feeding program, consider the following nutritional characteristics. With a dry matter content of 90%, each pound of as-fed alfalfa hay provides 0.90 lbs of actual dry matter. The crude protein content of 18% means that each pound of dry matter delivers 2.9 grams of crude protein. The TDN content of 58% indicates the proportion of the feed that is digestible and available for energy.
The cost of alfalfa hay at $250 per ton translates to $0.125 per pound as-fed or $0.139 per pound of dry matter. When evaluating whether to use this feed, compare the cost per unit of the nutrient you are trying to supply. If you need protein, calculate the cost per pound of crude protein. If you need energy, calculate the cost per unit of TDN. The most economical feed choice depends on which nutrient is the limiting factor in your ration and the relative prices of available feeds in your local market.
Storage requirements vary by feed type and moisture content. Feeds with less than 15% moisture (most dry hays and grains) can be stored in open-sided barns or covered stacks for months to years without significant nutrient loss. Feeds with higher moisture content require either airtight storage (silage, haylage) or must be consumed within days of delivery (wet brewers grains, wet distillers grains). Proper storage prevents mold growth, mycotoxin contamination, and dry matter losses that can significantly increase the effective cost per unit of nutrition delivered to the animal.
Always introduce new feeds gradually over a period of 7-14 days, increasing the proportion of the new feed while decreasing the old feed by equal amounts each day. Sudden dietary changes disrupt the microbial population in the rumen (for ruminants) or the hindgut (for horses), potentially causing digestive disturbances ranging from mild loose stools to life-threatening acidosis or colic. This gradual transition is especially important when switching between forages and concentrates, or when introducing high-starch feeds like corn or barley to animals previously consuming an all-forage diet.
Other Feed Types
Compare nutritional profiles and costs for all livestock feeds in our database.