luzernecobs

Alfalfa – the ‘queen of the forage plants’

The protein content of hay can vary depending on the time of cutting, plant composition and fertilisation. For traditional horse hay, grass is deliberately cut later to ensure a high-fibre structure and low energy content. However, the later the hay is cut, the lower its protein content. While hay may then meet the horse’s energy requirements, it may not provide sufficient protein. This is when it can be beneficial to add alfalfa to the daily feed ration as a tried-and-tested protein source. 
Alfalfa, also known as lucerne, is one of the oldest cultivated plants in the world and was even specifically grown as horse feed in Ancient Persia. It is not without reason that alfalfa is known as the ‘queen of the forage plants’: its high crude fibre and protein content, together with naturally low levels of starch, sugar and fructan, continue to make it a valuable feed crop for leisure, sport and breeding horses. 
 

Gently processed – quality from the whole plant

To make our Luzernecobs alfalfa cobs, the whole plant is harvested, gently dried with hot air and then immediately pressed into cobs. This process preserves protein-rich leaf mass content, while minimising nutrient losses. AGROBS® Luzernecobs therefore provide high-quality crude fibre and natural protein. With their high calcium content, they also help balance the phosphorus-rich rations associated with grain-based feeding. 
Working closely with our long-standing contract farmers in the region, we oversee the journey of the alfalfa from sowing in the field right through to the feed bag. This means your horse can enjoy high-quality alfalfa from the Bavarian Alpine foothills.
 

Versatile for use in everyday feed

Luzernecobs are highly palatable and can be used in a variety of ways as part of the daily ration. They are suitable both for improving roughage that is low in protein and as a supplement or alternative to concentrate feed. They have proved particularly valuable for sport horses, breeding horses, and horses that are poor doers or older. Luzernecobs can also be a useful addition to the feeding plan for horses whose diet needs to be kept as low as possible in starch, sugar and fructan, offering a well-established and highly regarded feed option.

AREAS OF USE:

• as a complement to low-protein roughage
• as a substitute for or complement to concentrated feed
• for poor doers and older horses
• for sport and breeding horses, or for horses in rehabilitation