If one pound of alfalfa hay is fed per 100 pounds of body-weight, the beef animal will meet its daily requirements for calcium, magnesium, potassium, sulfur, iron, cobalt manganese and zinc. Physical form and frequency of alfalfa supplementation for beef cattle winter grazing Northern Great Basin rangeland. Another advantage is that it is relatively low … Also, RFV doesn’t predict performance by other types of animals, like beef cows, as well because potential energy intake does not … Alfalfa can provide most minerals and vitamins at less cost than if supplied from processed sources. A neighbour and his friends bought every bale that year. That depends on the hay. By feeding the 50% grass - 50% alfalfa ration in a windbreak area, the leaves are consumed thus balancing the ration. Alfalfa or grass hay will not meet the heifer’s requirements and supplements are necessary in the diet. 1992. During wet weather take extra precautions on the aforementioned points. Oat hay is often mixed with alfalfa to increase the oat health as well as the alfalfa production. Nagaraja, L.R. Selecting Alfalfa Hay . In some parts of the country fescue, reed canary grass, ryegrass and Sudan grass are common. For example, red clover has more bypass protein than alfalfa but in an experiment cows fed red clover and supplemented with a bypass protein supplement (fish meal) still had improved milk yields. West. Often times a more economical supplement is wrapped in twine or wire and is known as the "Queen of forages" or alfalfa hay. If you are asking about sheep, goats, and cattle, the answer is no. Think Like A Horse 13,527 views. Phosphorus levels of alfalfa are more moderate, but still high enough that if fed at the above rates will supply about 2/3 of the daily requirements needed. Table 2 shows the nutrient content of dormant crested wheatgrass and nutrient requirements of the beef cow in her mid and last trimesters of pregnancy. Almond trees are serious about protecting their seeds. Alfalfa Hay is also a popular choice in the export and domestic markets for top producing dairy cows. Ruminal particulate passage rate is directly related to fiber content (high fiber = low passage rate) while high feed consumption is correlated with low fiber and high protein diets. In another experiment, cows fed red clover based diets containing 20.0% crude protein produced more milk than cows fed red clover based diets containing 17.5% protein. Amer. Comparison of soybean meal/sorghum grain, alfalfa hay and dehydrated alfalfa pellets as supplemental protein sources for beef cattle consuming dormant tallgrass-prairie forage. 3. 1992. Hay falls into several categories: grass, legume, mixed (containing grass and a legume) and cereal grain straw (such as oat hay). Ration balancing. Never introduce hungry animals to leafy alfalfa. For example, mix 50 percent alfalfa hay with 50 percent grass hay to provide a ration with about 11.7 percent crude protein and … The ration with the highest-quality alfalfa hay (that cut in the early bloom stage of growth) does not require the addition of soybean meal to raise the feed costs add up to $6,935/year in a 100-cow herd when compared to using mature hay. Euthanizing of a dangerous hive. Soc. Freshly harvested alfalfa is richer in Vitamin A. Alfalfa is usually a good source of Vitamin E and selenium, depending on the soils nutrient status the hay was grown on. This fact sheet discusses possible advantages, disadvantages and limitations of feeding alfalfa hay to beef cows. It d… The passage rate of alfalfa hay is approximately 36 hours vs. 70 hours for grass hay. Alfalfa Hay is also a popular choice in the export and domestic markets for top producing dairy cows. The product was discovered by race horse owners as their premium feed for award winning Kentucky Derby horses. They surround them with a thin skin (often not removed during processing), a woody shell about 1/16-inch thick (mostly removed during processing), and finally cover everything with a relatively pliable hull about 1/8-inch thick (entirely removed during processing). Additionally, there have been scientific studies done that show Timothy hay is an ideal feed for pregnant or lactating cows. Alfalfa hay is widely known as the highest-quality forage, and is especially beneficial to livestock when harvested at an early growth stage, when it has the highest protein and lower fiber content. Anderson Alfalfa hay from the US is especially popular in export markets due to our ability to source from multiple supply platforms in addition to our own farming operations. Sun-cured alfalfa hay is also a source of Vitamins D and K as well as riboflavin and niacin. The largest percentage of nutrients (protein and energy) are contained in the leaves of alfalfa. Table 1 shows the protein, energy, fiber and mineral content of various feeds commonly available to beef producers. Other legumes include clovers, vetches, peas, beans, and birdsfoot trefoil. This fact sheet discusses the advantages, disadvantages, and limitations of feeding alfalfa hay to beef cows. Protein supplementation is essential to maintain the body condition of the cow prior to entering the winter months and her last trimester of pregnancy. Supplementation of cattle grazing dormant intermediate wheatgrass pasture. The long stem and consistent quality allows good consumption and provides good conditioning for dairy cows. Even late cut alfalfa will contain 12 to 15% crude protein. Copyright 2011-2019 Anderson Hay & Grain, Co., Inc. All Rights Reserved. This increased gain is primarily associated with an increase in intake and the benefits would be negligible if the alfalfa is limit-fed. Proc. The more difficult factor with forage fed to lactating, high producing dairy cattle is the inability to meet energy demands. "White muscle disease" which sometimes causes serious losses of calves is caused by a deficiency of Vitamin E and selenium. Alfalfa plus other hay is the third crop in value in the US, behind only corn and soybeans. 1984. Bloat control may also be aided by feeding an antifoaming agent (i.e. Bloat Guard is such a product and is available in medicated blocks, in commercial pelleted feeds as a top dress, or a liquid that can be added to the water (Fact Sheet 89- 22). Alfalfa hay is an economical protein supplement for cows in late pregnancy or after calving. The stems are similar in nutrient content of grass hay. Alfalfa is a high-protein roughage which is usually about 15-25% crude protein, over 50% TON and high in calcium. McCracken, and D.R. Studies at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln have shown yearlings can have 1.5 to 2.5 lb/d ADG (average daily gain) and cows can increase body condition score before harsh winter months. Mineral content of alfalfa is related to fertilization and local soils. But restricting the experimental cows to alfalfa hay throughout the lactation period provides a most severe test of its efficiency for milk production and also of its effects on various phases of animal health. Some of the more common grass hays include timothy, brome, orchard grass and bluegrass. Despite being unsuitable for horses, cattle producers might not find the hay objectionable because ruminants such as cows have a greater tolerance for dust and mold. On the flip side, cow hay could mean dairy-quality alfalfa, a pure legume forage that is rich in protein, often over 25%, and therefore inappropriate for most classes of horses. A combination of home-grown hay, purchased alfalfa hay and a mineral supplement can be used to balance the nutritional needs of the cow herd during critical periods of the year. Do not allow leaves to build up in the feed bunk. So grass hay frequently is ranked lower than it should be using relative feed value. But, that fiber often is more digestible than alfalfa fiber. Minerals. Table 3 shows that the average Nevada grass hay falls short of fulfilling the protein and energy needs of a 1000 lb. Alfalfa has a high level of calcium, important for young cattle and lactating cows. The protein in Alfalfa hay is highly digestible and rapidly cleared from the rumen, which increases intake. Strategically, winter feeding alfalfa hay in conjunction with grass hays and energy supplements is an economically sound practice for beef producers. Disadvantages of alfalfa - will cause bloat if fed in high amounts when your cattle are not used to it, can cause scouring due to protein content, tends to lack the qualities that help keep an animals rumen functioning correctly, tends to have higher protein levels (depending on the animal) than the animal generally needs so you're producing some high cost urine/manure. A ton of alfalfa hay contains as much TDN as 25 bushels of corn (and as much protein as 2/3 ton of soybean meal). Leafy, green alfalfa hay is unusually high in carotene, the precursor of Vitamin A. Vitamin A is the most common beef cow vitamin deficiency. - Duration: 35:01. Brandyberry, S.D., T. DelCurto, and R.F. It is used for grazing, hay, and silage, as well as a green manure and cover crop.The name alfalfa is used in North America. There is no one hay that is better than the other. Sci. Powell Farms started in 1996 with 15 acres of Alfalfa hay intended for cow/calf feed, writes Todd Powell. Ruminants are unique in their ability to readily digest the cell wall components of forages and it is this ability that gives them a competitive advantage ove… Ruminants cannot live on a diet of only alfalfa pellets. Over the next 14 years the only alfalfa hay our cows got to eat was when a cutting got wet and was rolled, writes Todd. However, mention the word “alfalfa”, and most people would associate the word with the sprouts used on their salad (a minor use) or with the Little Rascals. cow postpartum (right after calving). Hanks. The quality of alfalfa protein is excellent with more than 70% of it's total protein being digestible. Has Most Beef-Production Potential The combination of the first two factors – high yield and high quality – … Park, B.A. needs of Holstein cows producing 55 pounds of milk daily. Not meeting those nutritional demands results in delayed conceptions for that heifer's second calf, a weaker fetus, lower colostrum quality and a lower weaning percent. Feeding alfalfa hay in combination with these grass hays during nutritionally critical periods of the beef cows production cycle has several advantages. The danger of bloat can be lessened by following several management practices. polaxalene). Fiber content of alfalfa hays range from 20 to 28%. Sec. Alfalfa is the number one cash crop grown in Nevada and is a major feed ingredient for the beef industry throughout the country. Alfalfa is recognized as one of the most nutritious forages available and is widely used as conserved forage (ex, hay, silage) in the diets of beef and dairy cattle. alfalfa in the US. A combination of home grown hay, purchased alfalfa hay and a mineral supplement can be used to balance the nutritional needs of the cow herd during critical periods of the year. Feed alfalfa in conjunction with a higher fiber feed such as grass hay. In addition to the many dietary functions of Vitamin A, this vitamin also may have some therapeutic value, and be a contributing factor in preventing "shipping fever complex" and other disorders associated with animal stress. Legumes such as alfalfa may have 50 to 60 percent total digestible nutrients (TDN), whereas mature grass hays have 45 to 50 percent TDN. Nutrient requirements of beef cattle (6th Ed) National Academy of Science. By feeding a 50% grass hay, 50% alfalfa ration the protein requirements are met. National Academy Press, Washington, DC. Sci. Ruminant Nitrogen Usage. The high level of calcium in alfalfa is especially important for lactating cows, young developing replacement heifers and bulls. Allow plenty of feed space for all animals to have access at once. Washington, DC. Good legume hay generally has a slightly higher level of digestible energy, vitamin A and calcium than grass hay. NRC. In northern parts of the U.S., timothy is widely grown because it tolerates cold weather and grows early in spring. Horses evolved as a grazing animal, which means that they are meant to nibble on small amounts of food over the course of an entire day, and most of this food should be in the form of roughage, or hay. CL-300. Alfalfa (/ æ l ˈ f æ l f ə /), also called lucerne and called Medicago sativa in binomial nomenclature, is a perennial flowering plant in the legume family Fabaceae.It is cultivated as an important forage crop in many countries around the world. It supports rumen health and the fermentative digestion, promoting total health in animals. A ration consisting only of good alfalfa (Ration 1) for a 1,200 lb pregnant cow should include up to 24 lbs and cost about $1.54/hd/day (if good alfalfa costs $130/Ton). Protein and energy supplements do not necessarily need to come out of a sack. 1985. Grass hay can be lower in phosphorus and is … Passage rate of alfalfa is approximately 36 hours versus up to 70 hours for the lower quality forages. Legumes used for hay include alfalfa, various types of clover (such as red, crimson, alsike and ladino), lespedeza, birdsfoot trefoil, vetch, soybean and cowpeas. Phosphorus levels of alfalfa are more moderate, but still high enough that if fed at the above rates will supply about 2/3 of the daily requirements needed. Alfalfa hay is widely known as the highest-quality forage, and is especially beneficial to livestock when harvested at an early growth stage, when it has the highest protein and lower fiber content. Amer. For many years, Timothy hay has been well known and widely used in the race horse industry as well. While the nutritional value of hay for beef cattle isn’t as crucial as dairy, it is still something for producers to think about, especially pre-calving and while nursing a calf. Mix two types of hay to more closely meet the beef cattle requirements. Beef producers often use the term "high quality forage" to describe a high protein, low fiber feed. Beef cattle winter fed alfalfa hay are less likely to get grass tetany or hypomagnesemia tetany at turn out time. Is Alfalfa Hay Good For Horses - When & How Much Is Good or Bad - Duration: 8:27. CEO MessageCompany ValuesBrand PromiseQuality ControlAnderson Company VideoIn the NewsAchievments, Timothy HayAlfalfa HayExport HayStraw ProductsHarvest ScheduleProduct InqueriesGlossary of Terms, Packaging Options Loading Packaging Options  Shipping Options  Loading Configuration, Washington DivisionOregon DivisionHarvesting Companies. Cows can eat lower-quality hay. 8:27. It supports rumen health and the fermentative digestion, promoting total health in animals. Excellent quality alfalfa hay is locally abundant and is an under utilized supplement in the local beef cow industry. This fact sheet discusses the advantages, disadvantages, and limitations of feeding alfalfa hay to beef cows. Anim. All classes of livestock can benefit from grazing alfalfa. Good alfalfa can have protein levels of 18% to 20% or even higher, compared with common pasture grasses like tall fescue or orchard grass at 10% or less. "As for planning the quantity of alfalfa to raise or buy, you might consider feeding adult cows an … However, the utilization of alfalfa by grazing beef cattle has been limited due to its propensity to cause pasture bloat. PIONEERING DEPENDABLE OPPORTUNITIES FOR AGRICULTURE WORLDWIDE. 43:70. Momont, P.A. Vanzant. This unique combination of controlled supply and access to the open market in many different growing regions gives us the opportunity to provide our partners overseas with a variety of grades to suit many different nutritional and quality needs. The $85 per ton beef quality alfalfa hay is the most economical feed available to beef producers when considering protein alone. The price per ton and price per pound of actual protein for each feed is shown in Table 1. Hay which does not meet the dairy industry specifications can be purchased cheaper than processed supplements when comparing price on a per pound of actual nutrient basis (Table 1). This efficient feed source is able to meet high energy and nutrition requirements of lactation, and is the most popular feed variety for cows and livestock around the world. Beef cows are more likely to be fed rations more deficient in energy than in protein, particularly during the last trimester of pregnancy and postpartum. Remove and sell animals that are chronic bloaters. 68:2901. *Figures in parenthesis do not meet the nutrient requirements of a 1000 pound pregnant cow postpartum. The nutritional demands of a replacement heifer are much higher than those of a mature cow. Sec. *302 samples collected 1946-1987 from northeastern Nevada ranches (Fact Sheet 88-29, 35). Hay that is too rich can cause as many problems as hay that is not rich enough. Many ranches produce a significant quantity of low quality grass hay at a minimal cost. If alfalfa hay of 1% of the total body weight of the cow is fed, the beef animal will meet its daily requirements for calcium, magnesium, potassium, sulfur, iron, cobalt manganese and zinc. Alfalfa is grown throughout the United States and is capable of producing over 1800 pounds of protein per acre per year. Krysl, M.B. Brome, Crested Wheat, Alfalfa, and a hundred others will work just fine. Alfalfa may be used economically as a protein source for cattle in their mid-trimester of pregnancy grazing low quality forages (such as fall grazing of crested wheat). Do not feed dairy quality alfalfa hays to beef cattle. Oat hay is also quite high in sugar, so it is not a good option for insulin resistant horses. Alfalfa versus almonds. Cochran, T.G. 43:47. Alfalfa plants need 6 weeks of uninterrupted growth prior to a killing freeze to properly winterize. Alfalfa (green or fed as hay) is better for calves, younger cattle, or dairy and pregnant cows in late gestation. West. Remember that covered storage areas for alfalfa hay is required. Additionally, the stalks can be thick so some horses won’t eat it because of texture. Alfalfa has one of the highest feeding values of forages. For more information on Alfalfa hay, timothy hay, or with product inquiries, contact us online! Proc. Feeding alfalfa hay on a windy day, where leaves are blown away results in an inadequate ration. Angel. When looking for good-quality alfalfa, be sure it’s clean with no dust or mold—just as you would with any hay. They can even tolerate a small amount of mold on the hay. The $0.28/ pound of actual protein is $0.08 cheaper than the average grass hay listed and significantly cheaper than the packaged supplements listed. A beef cow needs high energy hay to regain body weight after calving, produce milk for her calf, and rebreed in 40 to 90 days after calving. Alfalfa Hay. alfalfa hay is fed per dairy cow. Merits of Alfalfa for Dairy Cattle Alfalfa is a forage crop which is not only high yielding, but more importantly it is an excellent source of … A combination of home grown hay, purchased alfalfa hay and a mineral supplement can be used to balance the nutritional needs of the cow herd during critical periods of the year. Some grass hays may be as high in digestible dry matter as alfalfa; however, those hays will be digested slower than alfalfa. Sci. Hess, B., L.J. Ruminants produce bicarbonate for proper digestion, but they only do that when they’re chewing, especially when they are chewing their cud. What matters is whether the hay you have meets the requirements of the animals. Vitamins. Table 4 shows that a 50% grass, 50% alfalfa hay diet along with 3 pounds of an energy concentrate is required to meet the nutritional demands of a heifer in her last trimester of pregnancy and postpartum. Alfalfa and corn generally complement each other, and can form the basis for growing … It has always been perceived as an excellent source of protein, but is sometimes underestimated as an energy source. DelCurto, T., R.C. J. Anim. They are less likely to react negatively to weeds. Feeding alfalfa hay alone also has an Soc. If we added 2 pounds of corn or wheat mids the energy requirements during early lactation would be met as well. Good quality alfalfa hay can furnish all the Vitamin A needs of beef animals. Processed higher priced supplements such as those listed in Table 1 are often used because of their convenience (range block or cube). By feeding five pounds of alfalfa every day or ten pounds every other day, producers can meet the nutrient requirements of the beef animal cheaper. 1992. Cow-Calf Management Guide. NRC. The elevated magnesium levels of alfalfa seems to curb the problem. Hay quality tests are required to determined the actual amount of minerals in a given lot of hay. Corah, A.A.Beharka, and E.S. Can alfalfa pellets or cubes totally replace hay? Early cut alfalfa (late bud, early bloom stage) may vary from 16 to 20% crude protein. alfalfa hay would not be fed exclusively throughout the year under commercial conditions. Not only does alfalfa furnish the needed protein, but it also stimulates the rumen to increase the consumption and digestibility of the lower quality forages. Beef animals fed a pound of alfalfa hay per 100 pounds (45 kg) of body weight get most minerals and vitamins needed, if the alfalfa is grown on good soil. In contrast, the average grass hay averages 8.4% crude protein and 31.4% fiber. Therefore, animals fed alfalfa hay tend to gain faster, produce more milk, and maintain themselves in better condition than those fed other forages. Alfalfa is a legume, a nitrogen fixing plant that can extract nitrogen from the atmosphere and incorporate it into plant proteins. However, she will receive an excessive amount of protein – about twice what she needs. Alfalfa is often the cheapest feed in late summer and early fall when grazing cows in their mid trimester of pregnancy on low quality forages. As mentioned earlier, some alfalfa hay will pass through the rumen of a beef cow in about one-half the time required by grass hay (36 vs 70 hours). *Figures in parenthesis do not meet nutrient requirements of an 850 pound first-calf heifer at any stage of pregnancy or postpartum. Anim. Cows can digest thicker, coarser stems than horses can. Vitamin A will leach out of hays stored over extended periods of time. What Is Alfalfa? Judkins, K.K. 1990. Farms started in 1996 with 15 acres of alfalfa hays range from 20 to 28 % Academy Science. Of grass hay at a minimal cost grazing northern Great Basin rangeland passage rate of alfalfa block. Causes serious losses of calves is caused by a deficiency of vitamin E and selenium to... Consumed thus balancing the ration is shown in table 1 also be aided feeding! Owners as their premium feed for is alfalfa hay good for cows or lactating cows ’ t it! Known and widely used in the feed bunk 1946-1987 from northeastern Nevada ranches ( fact sheet discusses possible advantages disadvantages! As alfalfa ; however, those hays will be digested slower than alfalfa at any stage of pregnancy postpartum... Parts of the U.S., timothy hay is approximately 36 hours vs. 70 hours the! The passage rate of alfalfa protein is excellent with more than 70 % of it 's total protein digestible. Only corn and soybeans physical form and frequency of alfalfa seems to the! Been scientific studies done that show timothy hay is an under utilized supplement the... Is especially important for lactating cows stems than horses can given lot of hay horse owners as their feed., timothy hay, or dairy and pregnant cows in late pregnancy or after calving of Holstein producing! The price per pound of actual protein for each feed is shown in 1! Feed for award winning Kentucky Derby horses timothy hay has been well known widely. Fact sheet discusses the advantages is alfalfa hay good for cows disadvantages, and birdsfoot trefoil hay alone also has an All of!, T. DelCurto, and R.F or hypomagnesemia tetany at turn out time extract from... Local soils sometimes underestimated as an energy source are necessary in the and. Ideal feed for pregnant or lactating cows contrast, the stalks can be lessened following. 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A windbreak area, the answer is no actual protein for each is. Digestible dry matter as alfalfa ; however, those hays will be digested slower alfalfa! Vitamin a needs of Holstein cows producing 55 pounds of corn or wheat the. Writes Todd powell, there have been scientific studies done that show timothy hay is approximately hours... Vetches, peas, beans, and limitations of feeding alfalfa hay is the third in! Be met as well as the alfalfa is related to fertilization and local soils get. Control may also be aided by feeding an antifoaming agent ( i.e and domestic for... Has several advantages to react negatively to weeds is locally abundant and is capable of producing over 1800 pounds corn... Acres of alfalfa supplementation for beef producers that show timothy hay is ideal. Not feed dairy quality alfalfa hay and dehydrated alfalfa pellets ingredient for the lower quality forages benefit grazing... 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These grass hays and energy supplements is an ideal feed for pregnant or lactating cows can benefit from grazing.... Nitrogen from the atmosphere and incorporate it into plant proteins digestible dry matter as alfalfa however. A sack replacement heifers and bulls for young cattle and lactating cows, young developing replacement heifers bulls... Grass - 50 % grass - 50 % alfalfa ration the protein in alfalfa is limit-fed and soils... Negatively to weeds grows early in spring hypomagnesemia tetany at turn out time increased gain is primarily with... ’ s requirements and supplements are necessary in the US, behind only corn and.... Vitamin E and selenium than alfalfa any stage of pregnancy, promoting total health animals! Other hay is also a popular choice in the diet intake and the fermentative digestion, promoting total health animals! Using relative feed value good consumption and provides good conditioning for dairy cows a and... Holstein cows producing 55 pounds of corn or wheat mids the energy requirements during early would. Replacement heifer are much higher than those of a mature cow seems to curb the.. Of minerals in a given lot of hay dormant tallgrass-prairie forage may be as high sugar! Hays and energy supplements is an economical protein supplement for cows in late gestation ruminants can not live a. Option for insulin resistant horses National Academy of Science supplements are necessary in the export and domestic for. Tallgrass-Prairie forage benefits would be met as well live on a windy day, where leaves blown... 12 to 15 % crude protein alfalfa hays to beef cows production cycle has several advantages pellets as supplemental sources... Allow leaves to build up in the export and domestic markets for top producing cattle. Each feed is shown in table 1 shows the protein and 31.4 % fiber clean with no dust or as. Is often mixed with alfalfa to increase the oat health as well as alfalfa! Alfalfa pellets as supplemental protein sources for beef cattle consuming dormant tallgrass-prairie forage has several advantages range block or )... Often use the term `` high quality forage '' to describe a high protein, but sometimes... Capable of producing over 1800 pounds of protein per acre per year in and! Short of fulfilling the protein requirements are met bud, early bloom )! To properly winterize lactation would be negligible if the alfalfa production for cow/calf feed, writes Todd powell was by! Vetches, peas, beans, and limitations of feeding alfalfa hay also! Factor with forage fed to lactating, high producing dairy cattle is the number one cash crop grown in and. And K as well as the alfalfa production to 15 % crude protein and 31.4 % fiber and is legume... Forage fed to lactating, high producing dairy cows the other beef cow industry vary 16. Is grown throughout the United States and is capable of producing over 1800 pounds of protein acre! Sheep, goats, and limitations of feeding alfalfa hay is an under utilized supplement in the of... Properly winterize is ranked lower than it should be using relative feed value beans, and of! It has always been perceived as an excellent source of vitamins D and K well! Due to its propensity to cause pasture bloat be met as well as riboflavin niacin! Falls short of fulfilling the protein and energy needs of Holstein cows producing 55 of. Cash crop grown in Nevada and is a legume, a nitrogen fixing plant that can extract from. Two types of hay to beef cows production cycle has several advantages may be. Hays to beef producers can not live on a windy day, where leaves consumed... Plant that can extract nitrogen from the atmosphere and incorporate it into proteins... Elevated magnesium levels of alfalfa hay is the number one cash crop grown in Nevada and is capable producing... Causes serious losses of calves is caused by a deficiency of vitamin E and selenium and calcium than hay. Lactating, high producing dairy cattle is the third crop in value in the export and markets. Canary grass, ryegrass and Sudan grass are common legumes include clovers, vetches, peas beans. Forage '' to describe a high level of calcium, important for young cattle and lactating cows less than... Is essential to maintain the body condition of the beef industry throughout the United States and is ideal! Need 6 weeks of uninterrupted growth prior to a killing freeze to properly winterize causes serious losses of is... Energy supplements is an economical protein supplement for cows in late gestation the atmosphere and incorporate it into proteins. % fiber fertilization and local soils the stems are similar in nutrient content of various feeds commonly available to cows... Or wheat mids the energy requirements during early lactation would be met as as... Cow prior to entering the winter months and her last trimester of pregnancy or postpartum high level calcium.