Deer love to eat alfalfa, and for good reason. Alfalfa is packed with nutrients that are essential to a deer’s health and well-being. Here are just a few of the many reasons why deer crave alfalfa:
Alfalfa is rich in protein. This important nutrient helps deer grow strong muscles and bones, repair tissue damage, and produce hormones and enzymes. Protein also plays an important role in the immune system, helping deer fight off infection and disease.
Alfalfa is high in fiber. This helps keep deer feeling full after eating, which can be helpful when food is limited (when there isn’t as much other green vegetation available). Fiber also aids in digestion by promoting healthy gut bacteria growth and movement through the digestive tract
Why Do Deer Eat Alfalfa?
Alfalfa is a type of forage crop that is grown specifically for livestock animals such as cattle, horses, sheep, and goats. However, deer will also consume alfalfa if it is available to them. There are several reasons why deer may choose to eat alfalfa over other types of vegetation.
One reason why deer might prefer to eat alfalfa is because of its high nutritional content. Alfalfa contains more protein than other grasses do (18-20% versus 5-10%), which makes it a more desirable food source for herbivores like deer that need lots of protein in their diet. Additionally, alfalfas contain higher levels of essential vitamins and minerals like calcium than many other plants do; this can be beneficial for pregnant does or fawns who require extra nutrients during periods of rapid growth.
Alfalfa plants are also relatively tall compared to most other kinds of browse species, which allows deer to make their way into the canopy and avoid predators more easily.
Nutritional Benefits Of Alfalfa For Deer
Alfalfa is a highly nutritious forage that can provide many benefits to deer. When comparing the nutritional content of alfalfa to other forages, it is high in protein and calcium, and fiber. This makes it an ideal food source for deer, especially during the antler-growing season when they need extra nutrients to support new growth. Alfalfa also contains a range of vitamins and minerals that are essential for good health, including vitamin A, potassium, and phosphorus.
There are many reasons why alfalfa is such a beneficial food source for deer. One reason is that its high protein content helps promote healthy antler growth. Protein is essential for all cell growth and development, so by consuming foods like alfalfa that are rich in this nutrient deer can ensure their bodies have everything they need to support new tissue growth. In addition to promoting healthy antlers, the proteins found in alfalfa can also help improve muscle mass gain as well as coat conditions during winter months when conditions are harsh.
Another benefit of feeding deer Alfalfa lies in its strong calcium concentration. Calcium not only strengthens bones but supports numerous bodily processes including blood clotting, nerve function, hormone secretion & muscle contraction. For pregnant or lactating does, adequate calcium intake becomes even more important as their demands increase significantly. While most plants contain some form of calcium, few match the level present within Alfafa which provides another compelling argument for using this feed
How To Feed Alfalfa To Deer?
Feeding alfalfa to deer is a great way to supplement their diet and provide them with valuable nutrition. Alfalfa is high in protein, vitamins and minerals which make it an ideal food source for deer. It can be fed as hay or pellets, both of which are easy to find at most feed stores. Alfalfa also helps the digestive system of deer by providing them with beneficial bacteria that help break down plant matter and other foods they consume. When feeding alfalfa, it’s important to monitor how much is consumed as too much can lead to over-consumption of energy and cause health problems such as obesity or intestinal blockages. Deer will typically consume between 2-4% of their body weight in dry matter per day when eating alfalfa hay.
When To Feed Alfalfa To Deer?
Alfalfa is a high-protein forage that can be fed to deer at any time of year. However, it is best to wait until the alfalfa plants are 6-8 inches tall before beginning to feed them to deer. This will ensure that the plants have enough time to develop their full nutritional potential. Alfalfa can be fed in several ways, including:
- spreading it on the ground
- mixing it with other forages
- feeding it in hayracks or elevated feeders
- using a protein pellet made from alfalfa
Is Alfalfa Dangerous For Deer To Eat?
Alfalfa can be dangerous for deer to eat due to its high protein and calcium content. Excess protein and calcium can lead to health problems such as urinary calculi ( stones) and joint deformities in deer. While some experts recommend limiting the amount of alfalfa fed to deer, others believe that it should not be fed to them at all. If you choose to feed your deer alfalfa, make sure they have access to plenty of fresh water so they can stay hydrated and flush out any excess nutrients from their system.
How To Prevent Deer From Eating Alfalfa?
There are a few things farmers can do to prevent deer from eating their alfalfa crops:
- Fencing is the most effective way to keep deer out of a field. A well-built fence will not only keep deer out, but it will also last for many years with minimal maintenance. The type of fencing that works best depends on the terrain and layout of the farm.
- Deer repellents can be used in conjunction with fencing or as a standalone measure. Repellents work by creating an unpleasant taste or smell, making the plant less attractive to deer. Some common ingredients include hot peppers, egg solids, garlic, and soap shavings.
- Planting deterrents such as thorny shrubs around the perimeter of fields can also help keep deer away from crops. These plants create an additional barrier that makes it more difficult for animals to access your alfalfa crop.
Do Deer Like Alfalfa?
The age of the alfalfa plant is the factor that matters most to deer. Younger plants tend to be more tender and have a higher nutritional content than older plants. As plants mature, they become tougher and less nutritious. For this reason, deer prefer younger alfalfas over older ones.
Can Baby Deer Eat Alfalfa?
Baby deer can eat alfalfa. You should be cautious about how much you feed them. Baby deer have delicate digestive systems, so it’s important to introduce new foods gradually and monitor for any signs of digestive upset. Alfalfa is high in protein and calcium, both of which can be beneficial for baby deer. It is also easy to digest which makes it a good choice for young animals.
Do Deer Eat Alfalfa Summary
Alfalfa is a highly nutritious forage crop that is popular with farmers and ranchers who grow it to feed their livestock. Deer will eat alfalfa, but they prefer other types of plants when they are available. If given the choice, deer will usually choose to eat clover or grass over alfalfa. However, if there is no other food available, deer will consume alfalfa. Farmers who want to keep deer off their property should fence it in or plant a different type of crop to deter them.
