FORAGES

Alfalfa can be consumed fresh, from a silo, as a hay or dehydrated. These last two processes are the only ones of interest for the feed industry. Alfalfas can be marketed in the form of bales, cubes or granules. Granulation helps in handling, but reduces the proportion of effective fibre. The best way is in bales.

The most abundant cereal straws in Spain by area cultivated and ease of harvest are wheat and barley. They both have a similar composition, with the energy value being a little higher in barley. Despite the low nutritional value, straw can constitute a high proportion (up to 70%) of the maintenance diets of extensive ruminants. In those cases, it must be complemented with sources of energy and protein and a vitamin-mineral corrector to prevent an excessive loss of weight.