Ask the Vet - Why you shouldn't feed alfalfa exclusively

In this excerpt from the April 2020 episode of Ask the Vet, Dr. Gray and SmartPaker Dan answer a question about alfalfa being the only source of forage for a hard keeping senior. Dr. Gray points to the results of one report from UC Davis as to why it’s not a good idea and explains why her barn refers to alfalfa as “ice cream.” The two discuss the nutritional benefits and drawbacks of alfalfa and why some horse owners should consider feeding it to their horse in addition to other hay.
Question answered in this video: Can you explain why alfalfa is not good to feed exclusively? More specifically, is feeding a hard keeping senior full alfalfa forage during winter ok?
Additional reading/watching material mentioned in the video:
Horse Health Library Videos: pak.horse/HHLvids
Ask the Vet form: pak.horse/2gkBThy
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[@jamesleonard4607]

I’ve always considered top tier alfalfa more as a feed ingredient and striped hay as a better option as a straight feed.

[@mingram008]

Great info!

[@judymckinney7984]

When I was a kid we fed Timothy and Alsac grass. Horses bloated from alfalfa. I am not sure what the problem was. So I am surprised about horses eating alfalfa. I am considering getting horses and cattle. The more I think about it and dig in to it I feel completely incompetent.

[@cupricthehorse2796]

I am surprised that this answer doesn't mention photosensitization in alfalfa-fed horses. As far as I recall,the photosensitization was only linked to alfafa from specific fields (the horses did not react to all samples). Is it possible that enteroliths related to alfalfa also depend on the growing conditions of the alfalfa?

[@alyssam8548]

We just got a trailer! What are some safety or emergency items I should carry with me while I’m trailering my horse this summer?

[@JanetOrt]

They grow a lot of alfalfa in Arizona as well. I have an Arab so I don't feed 100% alfalfa, just a little less than 50% alfalfa and a little more than 50% Bermuda grass which is pretty much the only hays available. Sometimes Teff is available. I understand the only way for horses to get calcium into their bodies alfalfa is the only way to get it.

[@rodrod1515]

Well done ladies.