Sun-dried French alfalfa

Sun-dried alfalfa: a balanced choice for horses

This alfalfa consists of the whole plant and has been naturally dried in the sun. Unlike mechanically dried alfalfa, the drying process is less controlled. As a result, more nutrients can be lost during drying and handling, particularly through the loss of protein-rich leaves.

In this batch, the result is a nicely moderate protein content of 12.8 percent. This makes it less protein-rich than many mechanically dried alfalfa products, while still providing a valuable addition to regular meadow hay.

For many horses, this balance is particularly appealing. It allows you to increase the protein content of the ration without immediately introducing a very high-protein product.

A valuable addition during the winter months

Alfalfa is particularly suitable for feeding alongside regular hay. By including approximately 2 to 3 kg of alfalfa per day in the ration of an average adult horse, you can adjust the nutritional balance of the overall forage ration. When it replaces part of a higher-sugar, lower-protein hay, the average sugar content can decrease while the protein content increases.

This can be especially useful during the colder winter months, when some horses need additional nutrients to maintain their condition and muscle mass.

Alfalfa is also naturally rich in calcium and provides valuable structural fibre. This makes it an interesting supplement for sport horses, older horses and horses with increased protein requirements.

Our advice: Use this alfalfa primarily as a supplement to an existing forage ration. Even a relatively small quantity can help improve the balance between sugar and protein, depending on the composition of the other hay.

The alfalfa is pressed into large square bales measuring 90 cm in height, with an average weight of approximately 600 kg per bale.