Open the bag and get a sample to test for nutrient quality. It may not be the most representative sample, as you will likely only get a sample from the end. The nutrient analysis needs to include moisture, crude protein, and an estimate of Total Digestible Nutrients (TDN) or energy. Typically alfalfa is a good energy source for late pregnant and lactating beef cows. Alfalfa can also be an excellent protein source. Without knowing the nutrient makeup of the balage, it's hard to tell if it can be fed alone or not. It is reasonalbe to feed alfalfa that is 58 percent TDN and 17 to 18 percent crude protein as the sole feed source, but reluctant to feed something that is 21 percent CP and 62 percent TDN as the sole feed source. The high protein content is a little concerning, mainly with cell water movement within the body. Cows would have very loose stools. If you had another feed to mix the high quality feed with, that would be best. If you can't mix feeds and you have balage and another average quality hay, alternate days that each of the hays are fed. Because I don't know the quality, consider that it be mixed with another feed.

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