What is Lucerne?
Lucerne (Medicago Sativa) or Alfalfa is a green leafy crop similar to clover. It is very high in nutrients and is well noted for its: • high fibre content • high protein content • high mineral content • high vitamin content • high digestibility • good energy Hay Quality – How to tell the difference Poor quality hay is typified by: • low leaf content • high levels of foreign matter • large variations in moisture, content • high leaf loss • poor shelf life • dustiness • musty smell Making quality hay is dependent on producing lucerne of the correct moisture content at baling time. Too dry and hay is stalky and dusty with low leaf content. This means low food value and low value for money. Dusty feed can make horses susceptible to catarrh and hay fever. Too wet and the hay heats during storage and becomes mouldy, shortening the storage life. Excessively mouldy hay can induce colic in horses. A heavy bale is not necessarily a quality bale, as the weight can vary widely with moisture conten
