Alfalfa hay very often has a protein content that meets cattle requirements. In this case, sometimes an energy supplement is actually what is needed. Small grain hay or concentrates will help balance the energy needs of a ration.
Good alfalfa hay will be 16 to 22 percent crude protein; therefore, alfalfa is often used as a protein supplement to diets based on low- and mid-quality forages. Crude protein requirements for an 1,100-pound cow are about 1.4 to 2.3 pounds of crude protein from when she is dry to when lactating 15 pounds of milk per day. If alfalfa hay contains 18 percent crude protein, the same 1,100-pound cow needs to consume 7.8 to 12.8 pounds of alfalfa hay daily. Any consumption above those corresponding values is not needed to cover protein requirements but may be needed for energy requirements.

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