Prevent bloat when grazing Alfalfa safely

By Scout Nelson

As fall progresses, opportunities to graze alfalfa may arise, especially when the plants haven’t grown enough for haying or are near cornstalks. One side benefit of grazing alfalfa during late fall or winter is the reduction of alfalfa weevil infestations by removing the stems and plant parts that serve as weevil habitats.

Even in late October or early November, alfalfa remains green, despite cool temperatures. However, the concern of bloat is real. Bloat occurs when gas produced during fermentation in the rumen becomes trapped.

To reduce bloat risks, wait at least a week after a hard freeze before grazing, and follow good management practices. Ensure cows are full before introducing them to alfalfa, wait until midday when frost or dew is gone, and offer alternative dry feeds. Additionally, using bloat retardants and monitoring cattle during the first days can help minimize risks.

Soybean residue, another fall grazing option, should also be managed wisely. While soybeans are high in protein and fat, the residue—empty pods and stems—has lower nutritional value, offering only 4-6% crude protein (CP) and 35-45% total digestible nutrients (TDN). The leaves, slightly better at 12% protein, quickly break down post-harvest. This makes soybean residue insufficient to meet the nutritional needs of a dry cow, requiring supplemental feed when grazing.

While baling soybean residue can add roughage to a ration, it doesn’t match the feed value of cornstalk bales. Producers must weigh the benefits of using soybean residue against the risk of soil erosion when removing litter from lightly covered fields.

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