Alfalfa crude protein: what quality does your dairy herd need?

Note: This English content is pending editorial review.

Alfalfa is one of the most valuable forages for dairy cattle — provided the quality is right. Crude protein content is the metric buyers look at first. But the number alone says little if cutting time, leaf share and structure don’t match. This article puts the key values in context.

Target ranges for crude protein

Good alfalfa hay for dairy feeding typically sits in the range of roughly 16–20 % crude protein in dry matter. Higher values are possible when harvested early and leafy; lower values usually point to a later cut with a higher stem share.

For high-yielding dairy cows, a high but stable protein level is decisive — batch-to-batch fluctuations complicate ration planning more than a slightly lower but consistent level.

Why cutting time decides quality

Protein sits mainly in the leaf, structure (crude fibre) in the stem. The later the cut, the more stem and the less leaf — protein and digestibility fall, the fibre share rises.

An early cut therefore delivers leafy, protein-rich alfalfa, while a later cut turns out higher in structure but lower in energy. For dairy cattle, the leafy, early-cut quality is usually the right choice. Our alfalfa is harvested and dried with that leaf share in mind.

Keep RFV and other metrics in view

Beyond crude protein, other metrics are worth checking:

• RFV (Relative Feed Value): summarises digestibility and intake — a good comparison value between batches.
• ADF/NDF: describe the fibre share; lower values stand for higher digestibility.
• Dry matter and leaf share: important for storability and actual nutritional value.

Ask for these values actively when buying — a serious supplier can state them for every batch.

Consistent quality when importing from Spain

Spanish alfalfa from the Lleida region benefits from a dry climate with several cuts per year — good conditions for leafy, protein-stable material. For importers, supply reliability matters on top: consistent quality across the season, clear formats and plannable logistics (FTL, Incoterms EXW/FCA/DAP).

If you value more structural forage, alfalfa is often combined with tall fescue to balance protein and structure in the ration.

In brief

• Crude protein of 16–20 % is a good target range for dairy cattle — stability beats peak values.
• An early, leafy cut delivers protein and digestibility.
• RFV, ADF/NDF and leaf share complete the picture — ask for them with every batch.

Tell us your requirement and delivery destination — we’ll quote quality, format and terms ex works (Lleida) or delivered.