Alfalfa Hay Cubes — Livestock Feed Analysis
Alfalfa hay cubes are compressed blocks of chopped alfalfa hay, providing 17% crude protein and 56% TDN in a convenient, low-waste form. Hay cubes reduce storage space by 50% compared to loose bales and virtually eliminate the leaf loss that occurs during baling and feeding of long-stem hay. Cubes are particularly useful for horses with dental problems, livestock in confinement feeding systems, and operations where hay waste is a significant cost issue. The compressed form slows consumption compared to loose hay, potentially improving digestibility. For horses, hay cubes should be soaked in water for 10-15 minutes before feeding to reduce the risk of choke. Alfalfa hay cubes have slightly lower TDN than equivalent-quality loose alfalfa hay due to the processing and grinding, which can reduce effective fiber length. They should not be the sole forage source for ruminants because the short chop length may not provide adequate scratch factor for proper rumen function.
Which Animals Can Alfalfa Hay Cubes Feed?
The table below shows how Alfalfa Hay Cubes performs as a sole feed source for each of the 20 livestock species in our database. At 17% crude protein and 56% TDN, this feed meets the protein requirement for animals needing up to 17% CP and the energy requirement for animals needing up to 56% TDN. In practice, feeds are rarely used as the sole source; this analysis helps determine where alfalfa hay cubes 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 | $120.00 |
| Dairy Cow | 16% | 70% | 54.4 lbs | Yes | No | $245.00 |
| Horse | 10% | 55% | 24.4 lbs | Yes | Yes | $110.00 |
| Meat Goat | 10% | 55% | 5.8 lbs | Yes | Yes | $26.25 |
| Dairy Goat | 14% | 65% | 6.7 lbs | Yes | No | $30.00 |
| Sheep | 10% | 55% | 5.8 lbs | Yes | Yes | $26.25 |
| Pig (Sow/Boar) | 14% | 75% | 13.3 lbs | Yes | No | $60.00 |
| Pig (Grower/Finisher) | 16% | 80% | 8.3 lbs | Yes | No | $37.50 |
| Chicken (Layer) | 16% | 70% | 0.2 lbs | Yes | No | $1.00 |
| Chicken (Broiler) | 20% | 78% | 0.3 lbs | No | No | $1.50 |
| Turkey | 22% | 75% | 1.0 lbs | No | No | $4.38 |
| Duck | 16% | 70% | 0.3 lbs | Yes | No | $1.58 |
| Rabbit | 16% | 65% | 0.3 lbs | Yes | No | $1.40 |
| Llama | 10% | 55% | 7.0 lbs | Yes | Yes | $31.50 |
| Alpaca | 10% | 55% | 3.0 lbs | Yes | Yes | $13.50 |
| Donkey | 8% | 50% | 8.3 lbs | Yes | Yes | $37.50 |
| Bison | 7% | 52% | 40.0 lbs | Yes | Yes | $180.00 |
| Elk | 12% | 60% | 22.2 lbs | Yes | No | $100.00 |
| White-tailed Deer | 12% | 60% | 5.6 lbs | Yes | No | $25.00 |
| Miniature Horse | 10% | 55% | 6.7 lbs | Yes | Yes | $30.00 |
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 Cubes 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 Cubes
When incorporating alfalfa hay cubes into a livestock feeding program, consider the following nutritional characteristics. With a dry matter content of 90%, each pound of as-fed alfalfa hay cubes provides 0.90 lbs of actual dry matter. The crude protein content of 17% means that each pound of dry matter delivers 2.7 grams of crude protein. The TDN content of 56% indicates the proportion of the feed that is digestible and available for energy.
The cost of alfalfa hay cubes at $300 per ton translates to $0.150 per pound as-fed or $0.167 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.