Alfalfa hay is high in protein, fiber, and vitamins. It is a member of the pea family and is sometimes called "lucerne." It is a popular feed for horses, dairy cows, beef cattle, sheep, chickens, turkeys, and other farm animals. Nutritional Value of Alfalfa Hay Alfalfa hay is a nutrient-rich feed. It is a good source of protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. The nutrient content of alfalfa hay varies depending on the stage of growth of the plant, the soil quality, and the climate. However, in general, alfalfa hay is a good source of the following nutrients: Protein: Alfalfa hay contains about 18-22% protein. This is significantly higher than the protein content of most other hays. Fiber: Alfalfa hay is a good source of fiber. It contains about 20-25% fiber. This helps to keep the digestive system healthy and can help to prevent constipation. Vitamins: Alfalfa hay is a good source of vitamins A, K, D, and E. It also contains some B vitamins. Minerals: Alfalfa hay is a good source of calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and potassium. It also contains some other minerals, such as iron, zinc, and copper. The high nutritional value of alfalfa hay makes it a beneficial feed for many animals. Some of the benefits of feeding alfalfa hay include: Improved growth and development: Alfalfa hay is a good source of protein and other nutrients that are essential for growth and development. This makes it a good choice for young animals, such as horses, cows, and sheep. Increased milk production: Alfalfa hay is a good source of protein and energy, which can help to increase milk production in dairy cows. Improved fertility: Alfalfa hay is a good source of vitamins and minerals that are essential for reproduction. This makes it a good choice for breeding animals, such as horses and cows. Improved gut health: The high fiber content of alfalfa hay can help to keep the digestive system healthy. This can help to prevent constipation and other digestive problems. Reduced risk of diseases: The high nutrient content of alfalfa hay can help to boost the immune system and reduce the risk of diseases. Alfalfa hay is a popular feed for many animals, including: Horses: Alfalfa hay is a good choice for horses of all ages. It is especially beneficial for young horses, pregnant mares, and lactating mares. Dairy cows: Alfalfa hay is a good source of protein and energy for dairy cows. It can help to increase milk production and improve the quality of the milk. Beef cattle: Alfalfa hay is a good choice for beef cattle, especially during the growing season. It can help to improve growth and development and promote weight gain. Sheep: Alfalfa hay is a good source of protein and fiber for sheep. It can help to improve growth and development and promote wool production. Chickens: Alfalfa hay is a good source of protein and fiber for chickens. It can help to improve growth and development and promote egg production. Turkeys: Alfalfa hay is a good source of protein and fiber for turkeys. It can help to improve growth and development and promote weight gain. Other Uses for Alfalfa Hay Alfalfa hay can be used as a soil amendment, a mulch, or a bedding material. It can also be used to make human food products, such as alfalfa sprouts and alfalfa powder.