Cow/calf pairs on alfalfa.

[kens]

Have had 80 cow/calf pairs on a 1/2 section(200 acres 50/50 alfalfa/grass hay and 120 acres native). They are not able to keep the alfalfa grazed down because of the good moisture conditions. Does anyone have experience with this, as I am wondering if there could be a problem later on when the alfalfa starts to bloom and then matures? It is a fairly new stand (3 yrs) and has just really taken off this year. It's the only pasture I have left after the drought and grasshoppers of the last 3 years.

[ALICIA]

As alfalfa grows older it just hardens up and goes to seed, and the cows will not eat it. Alfalfa doesn't like to be grazed or wet weather so make sure the cows hoofs are not cutting the nobs off, top the the root just below the surface, this kills the alfalfa, along with overgrazing. older the alfalfa, less chance of blot, and if they are use to the alfalfa they will not blot on wet alfalfa, but if worryed put some dry hay out, this cuts down on the acid and works like taking a tums

[chalmers]

If you are concerned about bloat there is a new product available this spring called Alfasure. It is available through your veterinarian and is administered to cattle through their water. Understandably the treated water must be the only source of water for the cattle, so they can't be drinking from puddles etc. Check with your veterinarian for more info.