What is the difference between alfalfa hay and alfalfa granules?

Alfalfa grains are also entering the Chinese market together with alfalfa bales. Although the raw material is also alfalfa, there are still differences in function.

Alfalfa granules are short fibers, while alfalfa hay is long fibers. Adding alfalfa granules to the diet formula of dairy cows can increase the dry matter intake of dairy cows, but the content of effective fiber in dairy cows' diet needs to be considered. Some pastures have proposed that replacing alfalfa hay with alfalfa particles will reduce the milk fat rate faster. After analysis, it is considered that after alfalfa particles replace hay, the effective fiber content will be reduced and the normal rumination of dairy cows will be affected. Therefore, it is suggested that the use method of Alfalfa particles is to add 1-2kg alfalfa particles on the basis of the original diet formula, which will get better use effect

Alfalfa hay, as a high-quality roughage for calves after weaning, has been widely accepted by pastures. However, in the process of use, it is often found that a large amount of alfalfa powder is deposited at the bottom of the chute and is not eaten, resulting in waste. A large amount of grass powder into the mouth and nose of calves will also make calves reluctant to eat alfalfa hay. These problems will be avoided if alfalfa granules are used instead of alfalfa hay. However, because the rumen of calves has gradually developed at this time, if alfalfa particles are used as the source of all roughage, it may cause bulging of calves and death in severe cases. Therefore, we suggest that even if alfalfa particles are used in the calving period, it still needs to consider adding appropriate high-quality long fiber as a combination. At this time, oat grass is a good choice.

Alfalfa meal was deposited at the bottom of the calf trough, affecting feeding

Summary:

For alfalfa granules, if alfalfa grass with 100% raw material is selected, it will be more cost-effective than alfalfa grass in terms of cost performance, but attention should be paid to the following in use:

1. Alfalfa particles are short fibers.

2. Cows are ruminants. Even for newly weaned calves, the rumen is gradually playing a role, and the appropriate long fiber cannot be ignored.

After paying attention to the above two points, the use of Alfalfa particles on dairy cows will achieve better results.

In addition to the above, alfalfa granules can be widely used in pigs, rabbits, sheep, geese, ducks and other livestock and poultry for direct feeding or added to the feed formula as feed raw materials because they can provide high-quality fiber, rich vitamin content, high protein, and are convenient for transportation, storage and crushing.