Alfalfa Pellets / Dehydrated Alfalfa
High-quality protein and calcium source — supports muscle development and frame growth while correcting Ca:P ratio in grain-heavy wether rations
Always read and follow product labels for feeding and sheep safety.
Overview
Dehydrated alfalfa pellets deliver the nutritional value of premium alfalfa hay in a convenient, shelf-stable, consistent pellet form that mixes easily into concentrate rations. With 17–22% crude protein and an excellent Ca:P ratio (calcium-dominant), they serve a dual purpose: supplying digestible protein for muscle and frame development, while simultaneously correcting the calcium deficit created by high-grain, high-phosphorus rations — the leading cause of urinary calculi in wethers. Research published in PLOS ONE confirms that pelleted alfalfa improves average daily gain and rumen bacterial diversity in wethers compared to loose hay. Purina’s Honor Show Guide recommends a minimum alfalfa component throughout the entire show lamb program.
Nutritional Profile
| Nutrient | Value (dry matter basis) |
|---|---|
| Crude Protein | 17–22% |
| Crude Fat | 2–3% |
| Crude Fiber | 22–28% |
| TDN | 58–65% |
| Calcium | 1.2–1.5% (very high) |
| Phosphorus | ~0.22% |
| Ca:P Ratio | ~5:1 to 7:1 (strongly calcium-dominant — corrective for wether rations) |
Sheep Safety
Copper: No concern — alfalfa is safe for sheep at all normal rates.
Urinary calculi (wethers): LOW RISK / CORRECTIVE. Alfalfa pellets are one of the two best Ca:P-correcting commodity ingredients (alongside beet pulp). Including alfalfa pellets in a grain-heavy ration directly reduces urinary calculi risk by increasing dietary calcium without adding phosphorus. Including both alfalfa pellets and beet pulp in a wether ration significantly offsets the phosphorus load from corn and barley.
Bloat: At high inclusion rates as the sole forage source, pelletized alfalfa carries a slight bloat risk. Maintain some long-stem hay access to ensure adequate rumen mat formation and reduce bloat risk. At rates ≤1 lb/day alongside grain and hay, this is not a practical concern.
Heat stress: High-protein diets increase metabolic heat production — a minor consideration for lambs in hot climates or show conditions.
Show Circuit Use
Primary Role in Program
Alfalfa pellets are a backbone ingredient in commodity-based show programs — they hit protein, calcium, and fiber targets simultaneously at a low cost. In early phases they supply the amino acids needed for muscle and frame development. Throughout the program they provide the calcium that keeps wether urinary tracts safe while grain feeding increases. In the pre-show period, maintaining alfalfa helps preserve top-line muscle quality. Purina explicitly recommends 0.25 lb/day minimum of alfalfa in all show lamb programs.
Typical Feeding Rates by Phase
| Phase | Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Creep (birth – 50 lbs) | 0.1–0.25 lb/day | Small amounts; palatability is good |
| Early Growing (50–80 lbs) | 0.25 lb/day | Core protein supplement role begins |
| Growing (80–110 lbs) | 0.25–0.5 lb/day | Maintain alongside grain base |
| Finishing (110 lbs – show) | 0.5–1.0 lb/day | Increase to maintain top-line and correct Ca:P |
| Pre-show | 0.5–1.0 lb/day | Hold steady — no changes near show |
How to Feed
Dry, mixed into ration or fed alongside grain as a separate portion. Pellets do not require soaking. Very palatable — most lambs readily accept alfalfa pellets. Can be fed before grain to ensure intake if lambs are picky about the grain ration.
Phase Protocols
Creep Through Early Growing | Protein Foundation
- Rate: 0.1–0.25 lb/day
- Mix: Add to rolled oats and protein base; provides natural palatability and protein early
- Purpose: Start building the protein and calcium foundation for muscle and frame development
Growing Through Finishing | Backbone Supplement
- Rate: 0.25–0.5 lb/day, increasing to 0.5–1.0 lb as grain rates rise
- Purpose: Maintain protein targets as energy density of ration increases; offset growing Ca:P imbalance from increasing grain
- Pair with: Beet pulp for complete Ca:P management without commercial Ca supplements
Pre-Show Phase | Top-Line Preservation
- Rate: 0.5–1.0 lb/day
- Purpose: Maintain muscle quality and top-line condition during the physical and dietary stress of show preparation
Stacking & Combinations
Alfalfa pellets + beet pulp: The two best wether-safe calcium sources in the commodity toolkit. Together they cover most of the Ca:P correction needed in a corn or barley-based ration, often eliminating the need for supplemental limestone.
Alfalfa pellets + rolled oats + beet pulp: Core budget commodity ration for young lambs needing protein, palatability, fill, and Ca:P safety simultaneously.
Alfalfa pellets + soybean meal: Protein stack when ration protein falls below 16%. Alfalfa at 1 lb/day + small SBM addition covers most protein deficits without expensive commercial protein supplements.
Form Comparison
| Form | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Dehydrated alfalfa pellets | Consistent nutrition, easy to mix, shelf-stable, less waste | Slightly lower palatability than cubes; no long-stem fiber |
| Alfalfa cubes | Good palatability; provides some long-stem chewing stimulation | Harder to mix into ration; more variable quality |
| Long-stem alfalfa hay | Best for rumen mat; natural chewing behavior; highest palatability | Variable quality; not mixable; harder to measure accurately |
Dehydrated pellets are the recommended form for ration mixing and feeding-rate precision. Supplement with some long-stem hay access regardless of form.
Sourcing & Cost
Standlee Hay Company: Widely available at Tractor Supply and farm supply stores nationwide — the most accessible national brand. Both premium and standard grades available. West Feeds Dehydrated Alfalfa Pellets: Regional availability. Co-op labels: Most agricultural co-ops carry dehydrated alfalfa pellets under their own label at lower cost than branded products.
Community Tips
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