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The lucerne hay bale is a famous and popular forage option for livestock throughout the world due to its richness and ease of harvest. Alfalfa hay is one of the most essential and common types of hay used for animal feed, especially dairy and beef cattle, sheep, and goats. It is normally made into bales, which are easy to handle and store. Lucerne hay bales are available in various shapes and sizes. They can be classified by the type of bale stated below. Regardless of the type, it is noteworthy that lucerne hay provides every animal with the nutrients they require for healthy and optimal growth.
Small bales
Small bales are small, manageable bales, where each bale weighs about 50-100 pounds(or 22-45 kg). They are of this size because they are easy to transport and even more accessible to small-scale farmers or horse owners. The small lucerne hay bale is convenient for feeding because it allows the animals to have portions that will not go to waste or be uneaten. Lucerne hay in small bales is suitable for horses, goats, and other places where ease of feed handling is essential.
Medium bales
The medium bale is moderately sized, where each bale weighs approximately 250-500 pounds (113-227 kg). Farmers prefer these bales to manage them while still providing a reasonable size for feeding animals in bulk. The lucerne hay in medium bales is commonly used on medium-sized farms with dairy cattle, sheep, and other animals where feeding does not require excessive quantities to be put in the troughs.
Large bales
The large bale is used by large-scale commercial operations, where each bale weighs a whopping 1,000-2,000 pounds (454-907 kg). Large bales allow for easy feeding with fewer handling incidences. They are commonly used for bulk storage without the necessity of frequent handling. The lucerne hay in large bales is a cost-effective solution for large herds or extensive farming operations.
Giant bales
Last but not least, the giant lucerne hay bale is the largest type of bale. These bales weigh over 2,000 pounds (900 kg). They are useful in large mechanized farms that require fewer management activities. The giant bales take the longest to use up, reduce the number of times the farmer replenishes the feed, and are the most economical when purchased in large quantities.
When purchasing lucerne hay bales, people must consider several factors, which will help them get the best quality hay for their animals and ensure they get the best for their investment.
Assess the nutritional needs of the animals
The nutritional needs of livestock vary by species and age, which means lucerne hay may not be suitable for all animals. For example, while it is highly digestible and rich in protein for young stock and lactating animals, it may not be ideal for older animals who need a lower-protein diet. Buyers must determine the specific requirements of the animals before purchasing hay.
Check the quality of the lucerne hay bales
This is important as it can be hard to tell the quality of hay just by looking at it. People should look for lucerne hay with a good green color, soft texture, and no weeds or foreign materials in it. They should also investigate and consider the year, time, or age of the harvest of the lucerne as well as the conditions under which it was harvested. Because lucerne is cut often, if it was harvested early, it will have a higher nutritional value. Weather conditions during harvesting can also affect quality. Look out for signs of mold or poor preservation in hay that looks excessively dry or wet.
Consider the bale size
The lucerne hay bale price may differ based on the size. Buyers should select a bale size that will be easy for them to handle, store, and feed their livestock. If they have small operations, they should go for small bales. Meanwhile, large bales are ideal for large operations since they are harder to handle because of their size.
Check storage and equipment capability, for large bales
It is vital that buyers consider their capability to store and handle large bales because large bales need special equipment for feeding and handling. People should be sure that their hay storage area has the ability to accommodate large bales, which are usually complicated to maneuver because of their size.
Look for reliable suppliers
People should always purchase their hay from reputable suppliers who have a lucerne bales review of offering quality, properly cured, and well-preserved lucerne hay. They should also inquire about the lucerne hay availability and the bale prices to ensure they stay on budget and get the lucerne hay they can afford.
Once the right lucerne hay is selected, it is crucial to take care of it to maintain its quality and effectiveness.
Proper storage
Proper storage is the number one factor that will help maintain the quality of lucerne hay. Lucerne hay should be stored in dry, covered areas such as barns, sheds, or under tarps since exposure to moisture causes the growth of mold and mildew, which is extremely harmful to the animals. For those using large bales, they should be stockpiled in a way that they do not have direct rainfall or high humidity exposure.
Avoid feeding moldy hay
Feeding animals with moldy hay causes serious health conditions, such as respiratory problems or digestive disorders. People should check the quality of the hay before feeding it to ensure it's safe.
Regular inspection
Regularly inspecting and monitoring lucerne hay for signs of pest infestations, mold, or excessive decay will help keep it in good condition. Quick remedial action will prevent further deterioration or spread of the issue. For instance, using pests like rodents, insects, or birds can transfer disease to the hay, affecting its quality. People can use traps or baits to keep the pests away from the hay.
Using proper feeding equipment
Using the correct feeding tools will reduce wastage and improve lucerne hay utilization. Last but not least, large bales will need a special feeding apparatus because these bales are hard to manage.
Monitor animal intake
Lucerne hay is very rich in proteins. Though it is highly digestible, too much intake can cause health complications such as urinary calculi or laminitis. It is advisable that buyers mix lucerne hay with other lower-protein hays to balance nutrients for their animals, especially when feeding to livestock whose dietary needs are lower in protein and calcium.
Regular cleaning of feeding areas
This is because lucerne hay bales can create residues or waste in feeding areas, leading to pest attraction or disease spread among the animals themselves. They should clean up old hay and droppings to maintain a hygienic feeding environment.
Lucerne hay bales offer some great benefits to livestock and are a widely used forage option. Here are the key benefits:
High nutritional value
The nutrient composition of lucerne hay is relatively rich compared to other hay types. It is high in protein, calcium, and vitamin content, which makes it especially suitable for lactating and young animals who require dense nutrient hay. It is also easily digestible, so livestock can easily extract the nutrients they need from it. This makes it favorable to farmers and commercial operations who want to boost their livestock feed value.
Quality fiber
Lucerne hay bales are high-fiber forage that promotes optimal digestion for all livestock. The fiber content helps keep the digestive system of animals working properly, helps to maintain healthy and strong bones, and is excellent for preventing digestive disorders in animals.
Good physical form for feeding
Due to the curing process, lucerne hay is easy to handle, transport, and store as bales. It remains dry and compact, so it is convenient for feeding. It is very accessible to farmers as they can easily obtain it, feed it, and store it for later use.
Consistent availability
A major merit of lucerne hay is that it is harvested often, meaning it is readily available throughout the season. Since the lucerne grass is cut numerous times throughout the growing season, it gives it the advantage of having a consistent quality and quantity that is available all through the year in the form of bales. This helps livestock producers maintain a steady and constant supply for their animals.
Supports reproductive health
The calcium and mineral contents in lucerne hay help support the health of the reproductive system in livestock. It gives pre and postnatal nutrition to the animals, aiding in proper fetal development and milk production for the dams. Lucerne hay is very rich in calcium, which helps to reinforce and improve conception and overall reproductive performance in livestock.
Improves bone strength
The high calcium and mineral contents in lucerne hay also enhance overall skeletal system and bone strength. This helps animals grow, reduce the chances of getting injured, and remain active and healthy. Stronger bones mean healthier animals, which improves the overall quality of the herd.
A1: Lucerne hay is ideally suited to horses and to dairy and beef cattle as it is highly nutritious.
A2: Lucerne is cut several times throughout the growing season, which helps it to be drought-resistant and easy to grow in different climates.
A3: People call it alfalfa hay.
A4: Farmers know it is ready by measuring the dry matter content with a microwave.
A5: The process is called baling.
