Alfalfa hay is the most popular of all hay forages, due to the vast supply around the country.  Alfalfa hay in Idaho usually has four cuttings, taking nearly 28 days for the forage to be mature for each cutting.  The most popular cuttings for individuals with horses, sheep and other farm animals is second and third cuttings.  Individuals, who have horses and feed alfalfa, will feed second or third cuttings, with the controlled levels of energy but also prefer smaller stems with the lush leaves.  All Standlee Hay Company compressed alfalfa bales come from these two specific cuttings.  Alfalfa hay forage is for animals needing maximum energy levels such as performance horses, horses being trained or that are ridden frequently.  Controlled amounts of alfalfa should be used as maintenance forage of choice.  Alfalfa has the least amount of sugar in all the forages that Standlee Hay Company provides although rich in nutritional values. 

Protein - Not Less Than 16%
Crude Fat - Not Less Than 1.4%
Crude Fiber - Not More Than 30%
Moisture - Not More Than 12%

*Persons requiring a more detailed analysis to make informed decisions about their animals feeding regimen should have their own individual analysis completed.

The most important thing in a horse’s diet is water. Provide plenty of fresh clean water at all times.  Alfalfa is often the preferred forage for horses because of its high quality, high digestibility, and good roughage value.  Alfalfa hay is an excellent protein source of energy for horses needing or requiring high energy nutrition.  All forage grazing animals need long stem forage in their diets. The long stem forages can be supplemented with hay forages made into cubes and pellets. We recommend that you feed by weight and not by volume.  1-2% of a horse’s weight should be fed daily in hay forages.  This amount may vary depending on the animal’s needs and the horse’s activity.  Therefore if a horse weighs 1,000lbs and is a performance horse, 20lbs of forage would be sufficient, however, consult with a veterinarian or nutritionist for specific needs for your animal(s).  Make feed changes gradually over a period of 7 days.

Consult your veterinarian or nutritionist to develop a total health care and nutritional program for your animal.  All health care programs should include regular deworming, vaccination and dental care.