South African Alfalfa
Global fodder supply chains are well populated, but we can provide a competitive source for premium alfalfa for those seeking top quality feed for their various husbandry needs.
We offer access to South African alfalfa, which has had a strong domestic market for alfalfa for many decades. Now suppliers are seeking to access international demand for their product.
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Why South African Alfalfa?
South African Lucerne, also known as South African alfalfa, refers to the variety of lucerne (Medicago sativa) grown in South Africa. Lucerne is a perennial legume that is widely cultivated as a fodder crop for livestock. It is known for its high protein content and excellent nutritional value, making it a popular choice for animal feed.
In South Africa the National Lucerne Trust is a controlling body established in 1952, NLT is now a service organization that works in the co-ordination of researching new products, collecting and distributing information, assisting in technology transfer, cultivation evaluation and generally stabilizing the national industry. The NLT also carries out testing and grading services to ensure consistent and reliable quality assurance for buyers.
In South Africa, lucerne is grown in various regions, particularly in the Eastern Cape, Free State, and Northern Cape provinces, where the climate and soil conditions are favourable for its cultivation. South African lucerne is known for its ability to tolerate drought and its adaptability to different soil types, including sandy and alkaline soils.
The cultivation of South African lucerne typically involves careful management of irrigation, as water availability can be a limiting factor in certain regions. Farmers may use techniques such as flood or sprinkler irrigation to ensure optimal growth and yield. Lucerne can be harvested multiple times during the growing season, usually as hay, and is commonly used as feed for dairy cows, beef cattle, horses, and other grazing animals.
South African lucerne is valued as a high-quality fodder, which provides essential nutrients to livestock and contributes to their overall health and productivity. It is also considered an important crop for soil conservation due to its deep root system, which improves soil structure and helps prevent erosion.
Overall, South African lucerne plays a significant role in the country's agricultural sector, providing a reliable source of nutritious feed for livestock and contributing to sustainable farming practices
With growth cycles that peak in the off season of most major global fodder providers, it can help provide quality feed for their animals through out the year. Shipping from the south east Indian Ocean, our suppliers are well situated to supply the Arabic Sea region and a large portion of Asia. With Global GAP certification to ensure product packaging, shipping and delivery to give the buyer confidence in the supply chain.
Product will be shipping in pellet form, or bales depending on buyers' specific need.
Alfalfa for Husbandry Needs
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For Dairy Cows
Alfalfa is commonly used as a fodder crop for dairy cows due to its high nutritional value and palatability. It is a legume that is rich in protein, energy, minerals, and vitamins, making it an excellent choice for feeding dairy cattle. Dairy cows generally find alfalfa highly palatable, meaning they enjoy eating it. This is important for maintaining feed intake and ensuring that cows consume an adequate amount of nutrients.
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Alfalfa is known for its high protein content, which is essential for milk production and overall cow health. It also contains vitamins A, D, E, and K, along with minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, potassium, and magnesium.
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Alfalfa NDF (neutral detergent fibre) clears the rumen more quickly because it has a higher rate of digestion than most other forages, allowing for greater intake of the entire diet. Greater intake can lead to the potential for more production.
Alfalfa is highly digestible for dairy cows, meaning they can efficiently extract nutrients from it. This also aids in maximizing milk production and maintaining cow health.
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Alfalfa adds dietary fiber without adding more starch (a major drawback of corn silage).
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Alfalfa has a higher protein and higher RDP (rumen degraded protein) content than other fodders.
Alfalfa stimulates cud chewing better than corn silage. This stimulates more salivary buffer production, which can help support greater milk fat production.
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Alfalfa can be used as a primary fodder or as part of a balanced ration for dairy cows. It is often combined with other fodders, such as grasses or corn silage, to achieve a well-rounded diet that meets the nutritional requirements of the cows.
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For Cattle
Alfalfa can also be used as a feed for beef cows, although its usage may vary depending on specific factors such as the stage of production, nutritional requirements, and management goals. Here are some key points about using alfalfa for beef cows:
Alfalfa is highly nutritious and provides a rich source of protein, energy, minerals, and vitamins. Its protein content is particularly beneficial for beef cattle, especially during periods of high nutritional demand such as lactation, growth, and late gestation.
Alfalfa can be used in various ways depending on the specific requirements of the beef cattle. It can be fed as hay, or silage. As a fodder supplement hay and silage are commonly used for winter feeding or when pasture availability is limited.
Depending on the nutritional composition of the alfalfa and the specific needs of the beef cows, additional supplementation may be required. Alfalfa's high protein content can sometimes meet or exceed the protein requirements of beef cows, particularly if they have access to high-protein hay or silage. However, additional supplementation with grains, minerals, or other forages may be necessary to balance the overall diet.
Like with dairy cows, alfalfa can be incorporated into a balanced ration for beef cows. It can be combined with other fodders, such as grasses or corn silage, or supplemented with grains and minerals to meet the specific nutritional needs of the cattle. Consulting with a beef nutritionist or agricultural extension specialist can help determine the appropriate inclusion of alfalfa in the ration.
It's important to consider the specific requirements of the beef cattle, the availability and quality of alfalfa, and consult with experts to develop a feeding program that optimally utilizes alfalfa and other feed resources to support the growth, reproduction, and overall health of the beef cows.
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Pellet Form
Alfalfa pellets are a common form of processed alfalfa used as a feed for various types of livestock, including cows, horses, goats, sheep, rabbits and camels. Alfalfa pellets are created by compressing alfalfa hay into pellet form, which offers several benefits in terms of storage, handling, and nutrient consistency.
Alfalfa pellets retain the nutritional value of alfalfa hay. They are rich in protein, fiber, vitamins (A, D, E, and K), and minerals (calcium, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium). The specific nutrient content may vary depending on the quality of the alfalfa used to produce the pellets. South African alfalfa is considered high quality fodder.
Alfalfa pellets offer convenience in handling and storage compared to loose hay. They have a reduced volume, are less prone to spoilage, and are easier to transport and store. Pellets also allow for accurate measurement and control of feed portions.
Alfalfa pellets have high digestibility, ensuring that livestock can efficiently extract nutrients from the feed. This can contribute to better feed efficiency and animal performance.
Alfalfa pellets can be used as a supplemental feed for beef cattle, providing additional protein, energy, and essential nutrients. They can be used to balance the nutritional composition of the overall diet when forage quality or quantity is limited.
Alfalfa pellets can be fed in various ways, depending on the specific needs of the animal. They can be fed as a sole ration or incorporated into a mixed ration with other feed ingredients such as grains, forages, or minerals. The feeding strategy should consider the nutritional requirements of the cattle, their production stage, and overall diet balance.
When using alfalfa pellets, it's important to monitor the protein and energy levels in the diet to prevent overfeeding or underfeeding. It's also crucial to consider the quality and consistency of the alfalfa pellets obtained, as variations in processing or storage conditions can affect their nutritional value.
Remember that while alfalfa pellets can be a valuable feed source, they should be used in conjunction with a balanced diet that meets the specific nutritional requirements of the animal. Consulting with a animal nutritionist or agricultural specialist can help develop an appropriate feeding program using alfalfa pellets or other feed resources.
A table showing the nutritional values of the varying quality of the alfalfa.
