Production
Home Production
Alfalfa
Medicago sativa L., also known as alfalfa, is a perennial herbaceous legume. It is one of the most significant legume forages in the world, covering around 32 million hectares, because of its high nutritional content, large yields, and high adaptability.
It is a key protein source for livestock and can be fed to a variety of animals, including cows, horses, sheep, goats, and rabbits and other types of domestic animals. Worldwide, farmers are cultivating alfalfa because the demand is for higher quality forage, so that herders can reduce the quantity of concentrate in the ration.
In this sector, forage mostly affects the production of milk and meat. Animal nutrition may be impacted if fodder does not meet the need in terms of both superiority and abundance.
Alfalfa contains up to 20% protein, making it an excellent source of this essential nutrient for animals. It is also packed with vitamins and minerals, including vitamins A, B, C, E, and K, as well as calcium, iron, and phosphorus. In addition, it is also high in fiber, which is important for maintaining digestive health in animals.
This crop is a low-fat feed, making it a great choice for animals that need to maintain a healthy weight.
Overall, alfalfa is a nutritious and versatile feed option for many different types of animals.
Optimal for animals
Nutrient-rich Alfalfa feed
Fuel for healthy livestock.
Premium Alfalfa nutrition
Straw
Whether it is wheat, oat, or barley straw, incorporating these types of feed into animal diets can have several benefits.
For example, it can provide a source of fiber that can aid in digestion and prevent digestive problems, such as bloat. Straw can also help maintain good gut health by promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria in the digestive tract.
Additionally, it can act as a good source of energy and help animals feel fuller for longer periods of time, which may reduce feed costs in the long run. Finally, straw can be used as a mattress under the animals, which can improve their welfare. Mature beef cows can utilize a higher percentage of straw in the ration than any other class of farm livestock.
Rations utilizing 50 percent straw can be combined with higher protein grass hay, legume hays, and legume-grass hays to result in nutritionally adequate wintering rations for beef cows through the second trimester of gestation.
Although not nutritious, however, in the case of dairy cows, small amounts could be used to improve digestion especially if particle size of the feed is too small and/or in situations of unusual forage shortage for dry cows and for replacement heifer rations.
Good for digestion
Benefical bacteria for digestion
Versatile animal feed
Natural straw forage.
Production process
Alfalfa and forage, in different formats and consistencies, are the essential nutritional basis for all ruminants (cattle, buffalo, sheep and goats) and herbivores (horses, camels and rabbits).
Currently, Forage Solutions specializes in non-GMO, sun-cured alfalfa hay, wheat/barley straw, and a mixture of the two at different proportions, with a future potential to expand beyond these products. This is part of the niche market strategy that was proposed by the owners since the beginning.
Sowing
Depending on the product to be grown, sowing is performed in spring or autumn, with seeds selected by the farmers or recommended by Forage Solutions. The cultivation of alfalfa is carried out without the use of pesticides in most cases or irrigation with groundwater.
Follow-up
Forage Solutions’ agronomists carry out field visits all year-round and advise farmers on the latest tools and strategies in sustainable/regenerative agriculture in order to optimize economic, social, and environmental sustainability.
Harvesting
Harvesting takes place at different times depending on the final quality needed and the field conditions. It is done either by farmers or by Forage Solutions using advanced technologies in mowing, raking, and baling. This ensures the highest leaf/stem ration and preserves quality. Harvest time is carefully evaluated by our agronomists: the best time to get the highest protein content and fiber digestibility is the vegetative stage, specifically around early flowering, after which the crop is dried in the sun.
Processing
After baling, the produce is transported to the factory to be stored in our warehouses. When the alfalfa reaches adequate moisture levels (with residual moisture of 10-15%), it is pressed and packed in big rectangular bales, or small bales.
Quality control
To guarantee constant product quality and freshness, raw materials and end products are tested in the fields, upon arrival to the factory, throughout storage and before selling. Samples are regularly sent to external independent laboratories to provide our customers with all the details related to product quality and nutritional content.
Packaging and storage
Finished products, both big and small bales, are packed and stored in ventilated warehouses to guarantee proper storage without the use of preservatives.