We Offer Lucerne Hay At Wholesale Prices

Product Description:

Lucerne Hay

Lucerne hay, also known as alfalfa hay, is a highly nutritious forage crop commonly used as feed for livestock, particularly for horses, cattle, sheep, and goats. Known for its rich nutrient content and digestibility, lucerne hay is an essential component of a balanced diet for many animals, providing essential vitamins, minerals, and protein.

Characteristics and Specifications
Appearance:

Color: Bright green when fresh, indicating high nutritional value. Faded or brownish hay may suggest poor quality or aging.
Texture: Leafy with fine stems; the leaves are the most nutritious part.
Aroma: Fresh lucerne hay has a pleasant, sweet smell, indicating good quality and palatability.
Nutritional Profile:

Crude Protein: Approximately 15-25%
Fiber: Around 30-35% neutral detergent fiber (NDF)
Energy: High in digestible energy, making it an excellent source for growth and maintenance.
Vitamins and Minerals: Rich in calcium, potassium, and vitamins A, D, and E.
Harvesting and Processing
Growth: Lucerne is grown in well-drained soils with adequate sunlight and irrigation. It is typically harvested multiple times per year, depending on the growing conditions.
Cutting: The crop is cut at the optimal stage of maturity, usually when it begins to flower, to ensure maximum nutrient content.
Drying: After cutting, the lucerne is left to dry in the field for a few days, allowing the moisture content to reduce to about 10-15%.
Baling: Once adequately dried, the hay is baled into large or small bales for storage and transportation. Proper baling and storage techniques are essential to prevent mold and nutrient loss.
Uses and Applications
Livestock Feed:

Horses: Excellent source of protein and calcium, supporting muscle development and bone health.
Dairy Cattle: Enhances milk production due to its high energy and protein content.
Beef Cattle: Promotes weight gain and overall health.
Sheep and Goats: Provides essential nutrients for growth, reproduction, and wool production.
Other Uses:

Rabbits and Small Animals: A critical component of their diet, providing fiber and essential nutrients.
Soil Improvement: Used as a green manure to improve soil fertility and structure.
Benefits and Considerations
Benefits:

High Nutrient Content: Rich in essential nutrients, promoting growth, milk production, and overall health.
Digestibility: Easily digestible, making it suitable for young and mature animals.
Palatability: Generally well-accepted by livestock due to its sweet taste and pleasant aroma.
Soil Health: As a legume, lucerne fixes nitrogen in the soil, improving soil fertility for future crops.
Considerations:

Calcium Content: High calcium levels may not be suitable for all animals, particularly those with certain health conditions. Balance with other feeds may be necessary.
Quality Variation: Nutrient content can vary based on the growth stage, harvesting, and storage conditions. Proper selection and handling are essential.
Mold Risk: If not properly dried or stored, lucerne hay can develop mold, which is harmful to animals.
Storage and Handling
Storage:

Dry Conditions: Store in a dry, well-ventilated area to prevent mold growth and nutrient degradation.
Protection: Keep bales off the ground and covered to protect from moisture and pests.
Temperature: Avoid excessive heat, which can reduce the hay’s nutritional value.
Handling:

Gentle Handling: Minimize leaf loss during handling, as leaves contain the highest nutrient concentration.
Regular Inspection: Check stored hay regularly for signs of mold, pests, or spoilage.
Selection Tips
When selecting lucerne hay:

Color: Look for bright green hay, indicating freshness and high nutrient content.
Texture: Choose leafy hay with fine stems; avoid overly coarse or stemmy hay.
Smell: A sweet, fresh aroma indicates good quality and palatability.
Absence of Mold: Ensure the hay is free from mold, dust, and foreign materials.