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The Dogmother

Alfalfa powder

By The Dogmother, in Chickens, Eggs and Hatching

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The Dogmother Eggsistentialist

The Dogmother

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A friend recommended this to me to boost protein levels when hens are ailing or moulting - they swear by it and also say that the dark green vegetable element produces deep orange yolks.

 

I have been adding a 60ml scoop of it to 2 litres of pellets for a week now and the hens do seem to be a bit bouncier. The egg yolks really ARE darker too. :D:D

 

I wonder if any of the health benefits get through to the egg for us to benefit from?

 

Here's some info I dug up about it:

 

Alfalfa is a legume which is capable of extending its root system 8 meters, reaching into the sub-soils for minerals. The ash of Alfalfa contains 99% available calcium and has an alkalising effect on the body and digestive system. It is a great source of mineral supplements that are all alkaline. Legumes are typically rich in minerals and protein, providing a good range of amino acids. Centuries ago, the Arabians used nutrient-rich alfalfa as feed for their horses and noticed that it made the animals swift and strong and reach peak fitness. They began to consume it themselves and named it Al-fal-fa - "Father of all foods". Alfalfa contains chlorophylls, carotenoids and a wide range of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants and is high in calcium, protein and carbohydrates.

 

Alfalfa powder is 20% protein and 20% fiber; plus it contains 16 amino acids, 13 trace minerals and 13 vitamins. Alfalfa contains calcium in copious quantities due to its deep root characteristics. The complex carbohydrate from the young fibre in the leaves, and also the high levels of iron in Alfalfa which carry oxygen efficiently to the muscle via the haemoglobin, both contributing to sustainable energy levels. Also, the unusually high level of potassium makes this wonderful green superfood for sports people and those who live life in the fast lane. Alfalfa contains a high calcium and magnesium content, and studies have shown that migraines may be prevented and/or reduced when these two minerals are combined. All the minerals are in a balanced form, which also promotes absorption. Alfalfa is especially useful for replacing vitamin K that is depleted during treatment with a wide variety of drugs, including antibiotics.

 

I'd be interested to hear if anyone else has tried this, and what they think.

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sandyhas3chucks Feathery Fanatic

sandyhas3chucks

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I eat it too Egluntine... love the stuff!

 

Will PM you about my supply as it's someone I know

hey favouritism :lol::lol::lol:

Claret, lazy to ask, but do you think it would be a good or bad thing for my over egg producer?

She has virtually no protein treats, no bread, very little fruit.

We are down to 1 egg per day now. well almost there were 2 the other day good am, soft at bedtime. they are Not always good shells, but am happy to be down to one a day. I have been giving her Nutrabol.

And she is really horrid, seems really starving , pecking at everyone, wondering if her system is seeking something, and Alfafa might be good!????

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The Dogmother Eggsistentialist

The Dogmother

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Just had this back from my animal nutritionist friend:

 

We would agree with what you have found, however Alfalfa should be looked on as a very good quality forage, and so part of the overall diet, rather than a “super-food”. If it’s being fed at significant levels, as we would in horses, then I’m sure it will have a significant effect for poultry, certainly protein and energy levels are good compared to other forages, and this is why it tends to make horses “swift and strong”.

 

If feeding in supplement levels I wouldn’t consider it’s really going to do much, other than provide quite a good background of vits and mins. It is a product Kate sometimes actively chooses as a filler, for example for **** our hoof supplement, as I’m sure it’s calcium and antioxidant levels will be contributing to the product – but equally I’m under no illusion that it has a huge role to play in that product. The antioxidants and targeted nutrition will be far more relevant.

 

So now we know.

 

I will continue to give it to my girls as a supplement while they moult and see how they go.

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