Alfalfa Pellet

Overview

Description & composition

• Nutritional Profile
A key virtue of alfalfa pellets is the standardization of their nutritional characteristics, averaging 18% crude protein and 28–29% fiber to deliver a constant nutrient supply. Grinding and pelleting homogeneously integrate leaves and stems, preserving protein-rich leaf material and drastically reducing leaf shatter losses. Its dry-matter digestibility provides a reliable source of digestible energy and essential amino acids. The uniform pellet structure minimizes feed sorting, encouraging more homogeneous nutrient consumption and simplifying daily intake control. It is well-suited for automated feeding systems and commercial feed mills using it as an ingredient in complete compound feeds.
• Processing & Safety
Produced from alfalfa harvested at peak maturity, conditioned with controlled heat and steam, ground, and pelletized. This thermal process enhances nutrient digestibility, lowers microbial load, and guarantees uniform, durable pellets. The standardized pellet format eliminates feed segregation, delivering balanced nutrient intake with every bite while drastically minimizing dust generation to support cleaner handling and animal respiratory health. Additionally, high compaction drastically reduces bulk volume compared to baled hay, maximizing storage capacity and transport efficiency across both bagged and bulk packaging formats.

Origin & availability

Harvest calendar by origin

Packaging & logistics

Formats and container loading

Suitable for

Species and feeding programs

• Dairy Cattle: Serves as a concentrated forage and fiber source in Total Mixed Rations (TMR) or supplied as part of the daily ration.
- Contributes to sustaining high levels of milk production.
- Provides highly bioavailable calcium for mineral balance.
• Beef Cattle: Incorporated into rations as a high-quality protein and fiber source to:
- Support growth and average daily gain when included in a balanced beef-cattle ration.
- Support nutritional management during weaning and breeding periods as part of a balanced feeding program.
• Equines: Highly recommended as a low-dust forage substitute or supplement for high-performance horses and general equines.
- Supports muscle mass, recovery, and overall body condition.
- Useful in feeding programs for horses requiring cleaner forage handling and to support gastric management when used within an appropriate equine diet.
• Other Ruminants & Small Animals: Suitable for goats, sheep, camelids, rabbits, poultry, and feed mills as a standardized alfalfa-based ingredient.
- Uniform pellet size ensures steady voluntary intake.
- Supports growth, wool/fiber production, milk yield, and egg production while enhancing the essential amino acid and pigment profile, depending on the target species and the balance of the basal diet.
Alfalfa pellets can be administered as a ready-to-feed ingredient combined with other dietary components, or ground and added as an ingredient in mixed feeds. The daily inclusion rate depends on the target animal species and its life stage, calibrated against the overall diet composition.

Storage & shelf life

Recommended conditions

To preserve nutritional quality, pellet durability (PDI), flavor, and texture, the following conditions are recommended:
• Optimal Moisture: Maintain moisture levels below 13–14% to minimize moisture absorption, risk of mold growth, and product deterioration.
• Ground & Wall Isolation: Use pallets or skids to avoid direct contact with the floor and keep pellets away from damp walls.
• Ventilation: Store in areas with constant air circulation, protected from rain, direct sunlight, and moisture leaks.
• Inventory Rotation: Apply the FIFO (First In, First Out) system, using the oldest stored inventory first.
• Shelf Life: 12–18 months under proper storage conditions.