Alfalfa Pellets...Any one fed them?

ONThorsegirl · #1 06/24/06, 09:21 PM

Has anyone fed Alfalfa Pellets, the pellets here are 17% protien. I was wondering if you feed it, how you feed it and how were the results?

Melissa

Tiffin · #2 06/25/06, 05:27 AM

My cows won't touch alfalfa pellets but the goats love it. I only give it as a treat as they are only pets, so I wouldn't know how to give it if I was using it as a feed.

DaleK · #3 06/25/06, 07:20 PM

Alfalfa pellets are generally only used for cattle in places where they can't grow alfalfa, then shipping costs make the pellets more attractive. Nobody uses them in Ontario except for horse treats because we can grow so much alfalfa so cheaply there's no point paying for the pellets.

savinggrace · #4 06/25/06, 10:04 PM

I thought straight alfalfa was generally too rich for cattle?

travlnusa · #5 06/25/06, 10:05 PM

We add pellets to bring our corn to bring it up to 12% protein.

JulieLou42 · #6 06/26/06, 07:52 PM

I do...it's more convenient, and nothing is lost...as it is with hay! She's been given it since calfhood by her first owners. [She was 10 months when I bought her.] Alfalfa bales are really pricey hereabouts, but we have really good orchard grass.

ozark_jewels · #7 06/27/06, 01:47 PM

I don't feed alfalfa pellets to our Jerseys because they have so much pasture. I do feed it to my goat herd to up their production and give them the calcium they need. They leave all the dust and any pellets that get rained on. I clean that up and feed it to the Jerseys....they LOVE it.

Patt · #8 06/27/06, 04:59 PM

Our cows like them too, I add it to their feed when the grass is low. I haven't ever seen alfalfa hay for sale around here.

So ours is just a suppliment too.

michiganfarmer · #9 06/28/06, 03:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by savinggrace

I thought straight alfalfa was generally too rich for cattle?

We used to green chop pure alfalfa during the summer for the dairy cows. It gave them the runs, but it sure did a nice job for their production, and body condition.

glenberryfarm · #10 06/29/06, 09:39 AM

I was just going to ask this question. I have switched our dairy goats over to pellets. There is no waste and their production is wonderful.

I wondered if you can do the same with the family cow. We can get alfalfa hay here, but I figure you use about 2x as much with all of the waste.
As far as cost, it comes out about the same per ton if bought in bulk. It is also a lot easier to handle and store.

Any more info would be greatly appreciated.