One of the successes in breeding comes from the availability of adequate feed, not limited to seasons. Therein comes the role of alternative feeds such as alfalfa hay or lucerne hay, one of the suitable plants to be used as an alternative forage. Even so, feeding cannot be arbitrary. The feed chosen must have a high nutritional substance but must also have high palatability. Lucerne is liked not only by adult cows but also by calves. So, what are the benefits of giving lucerne hay for young calves?
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Lucerne Hay for Young Calves’ Best Criteria
It is only natural that a farmer will have difficulty finding the best lucerne breed for his calves. Because cows at this time need a lot of energy to grow. Luckily, there are already many manufacturers that are focused on producing lucerne which is easily digested by the body. No matter how much lucerne hay is consumed, the calves will still feel that their rumen is light and will get plenty of energy to grow and move actively.
Even though many similar producers produce lucerne hay, you shouldn’t hesitate to purchase some. Make sure you understand and pay close attention to each process (by observing through the website or information given, for example). Lucerne hay produced must be of high quality, contain high energy, and have the best content because it will support the growth of livestock, including calves.
- To get the best results from processed lucerne hay, proper cutting procedures are needed. For example, at the time of early buds on the first cutting. Winter is not a recommended time for cutting.
- The recommended minimum distance for cutting is between 28 to 33 days before the following cutting. However, repeated pre-cutting does not improve hay quality but only reduces durability.
- To maximize stocks, lucerne should be slaughtered before the end of winter and stored for stock fodder.
- Lucerne that was kept, had to pay attention to many things such as the storage method. Prepare a shed with gravel as a base for lucerne piles so that air can circulate and not increase humidity. Lucerne hay will stay dry and maintain its quality.
- Lucerne hay for young calves has many benefits. Even if you cultivate it yourself, you don’t need to plant it often because of the plant’s long durability.
Why Should You Give Lucerne Hay for Young Calves?
In the field of livestock, lucerne is known as a very nutritious type of feed. Believe it or not, it is also a very appetizing type of feed, and cows like it. Forages such as lucerne have also proven good for livestock apart from allowing them to graze.
So, throughout the season, breeders will not run out of feedstock even if they are not grazing. Quality lucerne is usually harvested during the early growth stages. Lucerne, at this stage, is very good with extra protein content and low fiber count, making it suitable for calves.
Knowing the types of feed for cattle is very important for farmers to know exactly what is needed by cows or calves. This also includes steps to ensure that your business will survive and be profitable. Alfalfa hay or lucerne hay is a type of feed that is quite popular in this field. Many think that alfalfa hay is a good type of feed for calves.
Providing sufficient lucerne hay can meet the nutritional needs of the calves and save more energy for them. That is why lucerne is the most preferred alternative feed choice. It is a suitable feed for cattle treated as dairy cows or beef cattle.
Lucerne Hay Advantages
What are the advantages of lucerne hay for young calves?
- The selection of other types of feed cannot match the protein content in lucerne hay (20%). For example, in ordinary grass straw, the protein is not high enough. If you want the calves to receive more nutrition, then choose alfalfa hay.
- In addition to providing the best type of feed, a farmer needs to see how much feed is consumed by the calves. They will eat more if given lucerne hay. Of course, this is a good thing that can make a cow grow optimally if the dairy cow produces more milk.
- Cows with a good diet, besides they will grow optimally, will also be more resilient to disease. Lucerne hay for young calves is excellent as a daily feed, so the mortality rate is higher.
- Another major reason why calves eat lucerne is because of their need for extra protein; these calves are treated, so they grow bigger and healthier faster. There is nothing wrong with adding other types of food, such as clover. The goal is for them to get full nutrition and adequate daily calorie counts.
So that the growth and development of your calves are maximized, you can prepare space for grazing as well. After weaning, you can also add corn besides Lucerne hay. Lucerne hay for young calves is a good and beneficial blend. The main benefit is that cows grow healthy, don’t get sick easily, and grow faster. Good luck!