How much do we know about alfalfa cubes? It is perhaps one of the least known presentations of the queen of forages, but it is actually very useful for feeding rabbits and horses.
However, does it offer the same proteins, fibers and vitamins as the more commercial presentations, what is the size of its caliber, how much does a ton of this product cost? Below, we invite you to know the most relevant data about this incredible product.
Animals that benefit most from alfalfa cubes
Alfalfa cubes represent an excellent food supplement for rabbits and horses, as they help them fight different health problems while absorbing vitamins, proteins and high quality fibers.
On the other hand, these cubes are easy to transport and store for farmers or breeders due to their size.
However, since they are two different species of animals, each has different benefits:
Horse
Alfalfa cubes prove to be an ideal way to activate and aid the activation of the digestive system in horses, keeping in mind, that these species have a very delicate intestine and alfalfa proves to be more digestible than oats or meadow grass.
In addition, it helps to easily balance the intestinal PH.
Whether it is a foal or an older horse, alfalfa cubes provide this species with a large amount of vitamins and minerals, such as B complex, vitamins A, E and D, as well as magnesium, chlorine, iron, calcium, potassium, zinc, iron and phosphorus.
On the other hand, the protein content is very high for a horse, so it is important to mix it with other foliage so as not to make the animal sick. In addition, another benefit that horses obtain when consuming alfalfa in cubes is a greater amount of energy to roam the fields and perform exhibitions.
Rabbits
Alfalfa cubes offer rabbits a balanced diet, in order to avoid any episode of stress that the animal may suffer.
We must take into account that when rabbits suffer an episode of this type, they can generate an outbreak of acute salmonellosis that can be fatal.
It helps to consolidate the growth of the teeth of this species, since one of the biggest problems they present are the well-known elephant teeth.
It considerably reduces digestion problems and gas accumulation in the stomach, and is even recommended for rabbits that are only a few months old.
In addition, it offers rabbits a high percentage of calcium for the correct formation of their bones and teeth, but unfortunately it cannot be given alone, because it can begin to form kidney stones.
Main characteristics of alfalfa cubes
As we said before, alfalfa cubes are a little known presentation unlike mega bales, bales and pellets.
Therefore, it is important to take into account its main properties, the size of the caliber and weight per kilo.
Caliber Sizes
Once the alfalfa is cut and dried naturally, the bales are cut into thick pieces and compressed with the help of a special machine that forms small cubes of approximately 3.2 cm x 3.2 cm x 6 cm in height.
Properties
Regardless of its form, alfalfa is an element that has a large amount of proteins, which act directly in the animal’s intestine, covering the amino acid levels they need.
In addition, it provides degradable nitrogen to cover the microbial needs it has, maintaining the correct intake, protein synthesis, digestibility and helping to fight diseases.
It has adequate levels of phosphorus and calcium, as well as different vitamins. On the other hand, its digestibility offers animals greater energy value, especially horses and cows.
However, it is important to keep in mind that alfalfa cubes are a dehydrated product, so its nutritional levels are not the same as those of the fresh plant.
Due to each of these properties, the young or small animals can grow faster and without presenting problems in their growth.
Commercial presentation of alfalfa cubes
Nowadays, alfalfa cubes are marketed in 40 kg bags or in bulk, depending on the country where it is found.
Estimated price per ton of alfalfa in buckets
If we compare the markets of mega bales, bales and pellets, we can observe that these have a strong presence worldwide due to their demand for some years, unfortunately, alfalfa in cubes has acted differently, being located in a specific market environment, the equine market, and where it will depend on the quality and freshness of the product.
Because of this, alfalfa in bucket is produced in small quantities worldwide, increasing considerably its selling price and making it an expensive product for many horse breeders or even ranchers, who prefer to supply the bale or mega bale to their animals, due to its low cost and easy transportation.
Main benefits of alfalfa cubes on animals
- It does not generate a large amount of waste, reducing any type of accident and increase in labor.
- Eliminates the traditional problems with wires.
- Considerably reduces storage and transportation costs.
- Large amount of nutrients concentrated in a small concentration, where no leaves are lost during processing.
- The animals cannot select the feed, but consume it directly.
- The fiber content helps the animals’ rumination and stimulates the creation of saliva, facilitating fermentation for every minute it takes in the rumen.
- They do not contain additives or preservatives.
- It has a high fiber and protein content.
Conclusion
In spite of not being a very well known and commercialized presentation worldwide, alfalfa cubes are a great opportunity to facilitate the absorption of vitamins, proteins and minerals in horses and rabbits, without losing product or generating a large amount of waste.
In addition, it considerably reduces labor costs and transportation expenses. But if you want to know more information on the subject, we invite you to contact us and get complete advice on the subject.
