Alfalfa Hay

Alfalfa Hay: Premium Forage for Equine/Livestock Nutrition

Old Dominion Hay & Feed offers high-quality alfalfa hay, a crucial component in equine/livestock nutrition. Serving the Callahan, FL and Smithfield, VA areas, we provide premium forage products to meet the nutritional needs of various animals. Our alfalfa hay is known for its exceptional quality and nutritional value. We offer:

• Premium alfalfa hay
• Nutritional testing services
• Customized feeding solutions
• Pickup and delivery options
• Expert advice
• Specialized care for performance and elderly horses

Contact us at Old Dominion Hay & Feed to ensure your equine/livestock receives the best in nutritional support and alfalfa hay in Smithfield, VA and the surrounding areas.

Why Alfalfa Hay is Essential for Your Equine/Livestock

Alfalfa hay is a cornerstone of proper animal nutrition, offering numerous benefits for various equine/livestock. Understanding its importance can help you make informed decisions about your animals' diet and overall health:

• High protein content for muscle development
• Rich in essential vitamins and minerals
• Excellent source of digestible fiber
• Promotes healthy digestion and gut function
• Supports milk production in dairy animals
• Aids in weight management for horses
• Enhances overall animal health and vitality
  

How to Properly Store Alfalfa Hay in Smithfield, VA and Beyond

Maintaining the quality of alfalfa hay is essential for ensuring the best nutrition for your animals, especially when you are purchasing hay Smithfield, VA residents recommend from a dependable provider like Old Dominion Hay & Feed. Storing hay correctly helps preserve nutrients, prevent mold, and reduce waste. The storage location should be cool, dry, and well-ventilated to prevent moisture from accumulating inside the bales. A shelter, such as a barn or other covered structure, will protect the hay from rain and humidity while also preventing sun bleaching. Proper airflow is crucial, so avoid stacking bales too tightly against walls, as this can cause excess moisture and potential spoilage.



To extend hay life further, place pallets or a similar barrier underneath bales to keep them off the ground and prevent mold growth from soil moisture. Round bales should ideally be stored under cover, but if they must remain outdoors, position them on a well-drained surface and cover them with breathable tarps to reduce rain exposure.

Best Uses for Alfalfa Hay in Performance Horse Diets

Performance horses benefit tremendously from the rich nutritional profile found in alfalfa hay when it includes high-quality alfalfa hay. Athletes such as racehorses, show jumpers, and eventing horses require more protein, calcium, and energy to maintain muscle condition and stamina, and alfalfa is an ideal source of these vital nutrients. It supports muscle repair following intense exercise and offers a digestible energy source to promote endurance. Alfalfa’s leaf-heavy composition makes it highly palatable, ensuring even picky eaters receive the nutrients they need. If you're looking for alfalfa hay Smithfield, VA and the surrounding areas recommend, choose Old Dominion Hay & Feed as your supplier.

Another key advantage of including alfalfa in a performance horse’s diet is its natural buffering effect on stomach acid. This is especially beneficial for horses prone to gastric ulcers due to frequent travel, competition stress, or intense training schedules. Its calcium and protein levels help neutralize stomach acid, improving gut comfort and reducing the risk of digestive imbalance.

When to Choose Alfalfa Hay for Weight Gain Support

As the top source of hay Smithfield, VA residents depend on, we know that animals that need extra calories can benefit from including nutrient-dense alfalfa hay as part of their diet. Senior horses, rescue equine/livestock, and animals recovering from illness or pregnancy often struggle to maintain body weight on grass hay alone. Alfalfa offers a concentrated supply of protein and digestible energy that helps promote healthy and steady weight gain without needing to rely heavily on grain-based feeds. This is especially useful for horses with poor teeth since the softer texture of alfalfa is easier to chew and digest.

However, weight gain should be monitored to prevent excessive conditions that may cause metabolic challenges in some animals. Slow adjustments and regular body condition scoring ensure that each animal receives just the right amount to meet their needs. Introducing alfalfa gradually will help avoid digestive upset while allowing the digestive tract to adapt smoothly to the richer forage.

Choosing the Right Bale Size for Your Feeding Needs

Selecting the correct bale size of hay in Smithfield, VA or the surrounding areas ensures efficiency, affordability, and ease of handling for your specific operation. Small square bales are ideal for owners who feed a few animals and want precise portion control with minimal waste. They are easy to store, move, and distribute, making them a practical choice for barns with limited storage space. Larger facilities may prefer round bales for their cost-effectiveness, especially when feeding herds that consume forage quickly enough to avoid spoilage. Choosing the right bale type can significantly impact daily feeding convenience and overall nutritional consistency. Contact our team today to learn more about the alfalfa hay Smithfield, VA residents recommend.

Why Choose Old Dominion Hay & Feed

At Old Dominion Hay & Feed, we stand out as a premier provider of alfalfa hay and equine/livestock nutrition solutions. Our commitment to quality and customer satisfaction sets us apart:

• More than 30 years of experience in the industry
• Family-owned and locally operated since 2000
• In-house equine specialist for tailored advice
• Comprehensive nutritional testing services
• Authorized dealer of Tribute, Kalmbach, Tucker Milling, and Mid-South Feeds for 15+ years
• Offer Tucker Milling products and Royal Wood Shavings
• Support local animal welfare through donations
• Flexible delivery options, including semi-truck trailer drops
• Discounts for boarding barns and large animal facilities
• Full semi-truck load discounts available

Contact Us

Ready to elevate your equine/livestock's nutrition with premium alfalfa hay? Old Dominion Hay & Feed is here to assist you. Our team of specialists, led by our equine expert, is prepared to address your specific needs. Whether you're managing a small farm or a large animal facility, we have the products and expertise to support your animals' health and performance. Reach out to us today to discuss your alfalfa hay requirements, schedule a nutritional consultation, or learn more about our delivery options and special discounts.