Alfalfa and Nutrition
by Jennifer Prince, An EquestrianMag Exclusive Article

Though controversy exists surrounding the use of alfalfa as a source of vitamins and minerals for horses, there are also benefits supporting its use. With the right balance of alfalfa and other roughage, horses can benefit from its nutritional content. Finding the right balance for your horse will be the key to ensuring your horse maintains a healthy diet.

Alfalfa can be purchased as hay or cubes. There are advantages and disadvantages for each form. The ability to examine the quality of the leaves may be one reason why some horse owners prefer alfalfa hay to cubes. Alfalfa hay can make more work for the owner, however, since they may need to separate leaves from stems and test the quality of the plant. One other disadvantage of alfalfa hay is that it can be difficult to store and keep free of mold and dust. Also, because horses have a tendency to eat less alfalfa as hay than cubes, more alfalfa tends to be wasted.

Many owners choose to feed their horse alfalfa cubes instead of hay. By providing consistent nutritional content, alfalfa cubes can be a great way to help control a horse’s diet. Another benefit to alfalfa cubes is their storing capability, which is significantly easier than that of hay. It is also important to note that the nutritional content of the plant is not affected during the cubing process. One of the most common problems with regards to alfalfa cubes is the level of voluntary consumption by the horse. The amount of alfalfa cubes offered to your horse should be carefully monitored to avoid overeating, weight gain and digestive problems.

“The most important thing to remember is that the risk to your horse through the use of alfalfa can be reduced by using the plant appropriately and in the correct amounts to fit your horse’s needs.”

Not only is the quality of the alfalfa important, it is also necessary to feed your horse the right type of alfalfa. Alfalfa is produced in both early and late maturity and can be fed to your horse at either stage. Dehydrated alfalfa cubes are produced in early maturity, whereas sun-cures alfalfa cubes are produced in late maturity. Since the nutritional elements of the plant vary at each stage, it is important that you feed your horse the right type of alfalfa for its needs. For example, mature horses or horses used strictly for recreational purposes that have lower nutritional requirements would benefit from alfalfa in late maturity, whereas alfalfa in early maturity is typically more suitable for horses with higher nutritional requirements. Young horses and lactating mares may be an example of these.

Alfalfa has a much greater protein and calcium content than other hays, which means that your horse will need less alfalfa than other hays to meet its nutritional requirements. Because less alfalfa is needed it may be an economical way to add protein to your horse’s diet. By balancing your horse’s diet with alfalfa, grain and other roughage you are able to customize your horse’s diet according to its needs. Working with a trained veterinarian to find a good balance for your horse could not only keep your horse in great health but also be a more economical way to maintain your horse’s feeding program.

Though some horse owners fully support the use of alfalfa for horses, others feel the potential risks out way the nutritional benefits. Alfalfa’s nutritional content strongly out ways that of other hays by a significant percentage. It can contain upwards of 5% more digestible nutrients, 5-10% more crude protein and up to 1.5% calcium compared to other hays that only provide .5% calcium. The majority of the controversy surrounding the use of alfalfa involves the high calcium levels in the plant.

Some owners fear that their horse’s chemistry will become imbalanced because of the high calcium/low phosphorous levels present in alfalfa. It is possible for alfalfa to impact the calcium/phosphorous ratio, but it is only likely if the horse’s diet itself is off balance. The high calcium content also raises concern for horses to develop “thumps”, muscle cramps or “stones”. Though these concerns may be valid, the likely hood of them occurring depends on the feeding program, how much the horse’s diet relies upon alfalfa as a primary source of nutrition, how the protein intake levels compare to the needs of the horse, and even the quality of the alfalfa provided. Alfalfa itself can be a great source of nutrition if the horse is fed the right quantity as part of a carefully designed feeding program.

One of the prominent and very real dangers associated with alfalfa are Blister Beetles. These brown striped beetles are long and thin and are often seen in alfalfa hay. The beetles can harm a horse’s stomach and intestinal track if ingested. Thankfully, these pesky little beetles are usually found in numbers, making them easy to detect. Be on the lookout for Blister Beetles in the hay each time your feed your horse.

Some of the dangers associated with feeding alfalfa to your horse deserve consideration. The most important thing to remember is that the risk to your horse through the use of alfalfa can be reduced by using the plant appropriately and in the correct amounts to fit your horse’s needs. Working with a veterinarian to design a feeding program that fits your horse’s nutritional requirements is an important part of maintaining good health.

Though the controversy surrounding the use of alfalfa for your horse is prominent, the nutritional benefits of the plant should not be ignored. The high levels of protein and minerals in the plant can be a great way to boost your horse’s overall nutritional intake. Being aware of both the benefits and potential dangers of alfalfa use is a necessary part of being a responsible horse owner.

Alfalfa and Nutrition by Jennifer Prince, An EquestrianMag Exclusive Article

Alfalfa and Nutrition
by Jennifer Prince, An EquestrianMag Exclusive Article