You can never be completely guaranteed that bloat will not occur when cows graze alfalfa. Even dry alfalfa hay on rare occasions can cause bloat. Nonetheless, alfalfa that has become mature enough to bloom is much less likely to cause bloat than young, lush plants and usually is grazed with few problems. Be sure your cows are full and not hungry when you turn them into the alfalfa so they do not eat a large first meal. Also, wait until midday to turn into the alfalfa so all surface moisture has evaporated off the leaves. This also avoids the early-morning meal, which usually is the largest meal of the day for cattle.
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My cows have been on a grass pasture. My neighbor has an alfalfa field that he did not cut and it has bloomed. Is it safe to put my cows on that pasture?
Last Updated: December 23, 2010
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