[AlpacaTalk] Re: alfalfa hay

 

Some Breeders in Oz and New Zealand feed 100% alfalfa (called lucerne down there). Alfalfa *tends* to be higher in protein (and too much protein appears to increase micron count), but that doesn't mean that it shouldn't be a part of any alpaca's diet. If you want to feed it all the time, I would recommend getting it tested.

You may find that with the shift of grass that your pacas suddenly get soft poo for a couple of days -- this is more likely a result of the bacteria in the rumen adjusting to the different grass than coccidia or other parasite. But I would keep a watch, just to be safe.

Alpacas are smart animals, so of course they'll get bored. Especially since our pastures are miniscule to the altaplano. Giving them different hay, pine tree branches (they love the needles, just make sure it's not ponderosa pine), or other treats will help their attitude.

Cheers,

Dani

Dani McKenzie & Hovey Moore
Longbottom Meadows
Roy, WA 98580
www.longbottommeadows.com

--- In AlpacaTalk@yahoogroups.com, Purplpig <purplpig@...> wrote:
>
> Here in the northeast, the winter has been cold and snowy and my
> alpacas spend most of their days
> in the barn - their choice, not mine!
>
> I could not resist buying a few bales of green, aromatic alfalfa hay
> the other day, hoping it would entice them
> to go outside.
> IT WORKED! However, now I am wondering if it is okay to feed only
> alfalfa hay or if I should just use it
> as a treat every few days.
>
> Thoughts?
>
> thanks
> Lysa Grant
> Pocopaca in the Poconos
> Jim Thorpe, PA
>

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