Livestock

Livestock ingredients in this collection

This collection currently includes alfalfa, a legume forage used in livestock feeding. It is a focused starting point rather than a broad catalog of ingredients for every species or ration. The crop name alone does not establish whether a particular lot suits an animal class or feeding program.

Choose the forage form and compare its analysis

Alfalfa may be supplied as dry hay or as ensiled forage such as silage or haylage. These forms have different moisture, storage, and handling requirements, so specify the form when comparing offers. Confirm whether the material is pure alfalfa or a mixture, along with its package or bale type.

For hay, request a current lot analysis and compare results on the same reporting basis. Common measures include crude protein, ADF, NDF, RFV, and TDN. Maturity and harvesting or weather conditions affect forage quality; leaf loss during handling also matters because leaves are more digestible and protein-rich than stems.

Plan for receiving and storage

For dry hay, ask about moisture and storage history, and check the delivered forage for signs of spoilage. Keep bales protected from precipitation and ground moisture after delivery. For silage or haylage, request relevant moisture and fermentation information and ensure the receiving and storage setup is appropriate for ensiled forage.

USDA hay quality designations use several laboratory measures and apply to alfalfa hay with no more than 10% grass. Treat a grade as a classification aid, not a guarantee of ration performance; confirm suitability for the intended animals with a qualified nutrition professional.

Common questions.