Alfalfa

Alfalfa · Medicago sativa

Mechanism

Alfalfa is a legume forage with a markedly higher crude-protein and calcium content than grass hay as well as a favourable amino-acid profile (in particular lysine as the first limiting amino acid). A buffering effect in the stomach through the high calcium and protein content, which may help to buffer stomach acid, is discussed; the equine data on this are limited and in part contradictory. As a protein and calcium source, alfalfa is of interest above all for horses with increased requirements (growth, pregnancy/lactation, muscle build-up), but must be balanced into the overall ration.

Cautions

· High calcium and protein content — mind the Ca:P ratio of the overall ration (target ~1.5-2:1)
· High energy content — use sparingly in easy keepers and in EMS/overweight risk
· Pay attention to feed quality (dust, mould); steam if necessary

Sources

NRC 2007NRC — Nutrient Requirements of Horses (Protein-/Ca-Gehalt Leguminosen)

GfE 2014GfE — Empfehlungen zur Energie- und Nährstoffversorgung von Pferden

Nadeau et al. 2000Nadeau et al., Am J Vet Res — Diät/Alfalfa und Magenschleimhaut beim Pferd

Equiterna Score

76/100

high overall

Science7.7/10

Practical experience8/10

Safety7.2/10

Overall score scale

high overall75–100solid55–74limited0–54

How the Equiterna Score is built

The Equiterna Score combines three dimensions into a value of 0-100: science (40%), practical experience (30%) and safety (30%). It is transparently derived from evidence level, attributed sources (PubMed/journals), legal classification and cautions. The FEI doping status is shown separately as a competition-law note and does not enter the score. Commissions and vendor relationships have no influence on the score. In addition, the editorial safety rating caps the result: it limits the safety dimension and the overall tier (orange: at most solid). For entries rated red, no score is calculated at all. The rating never raises anything — a green rating does not lift a calculated value.

An editorial assessment of the evidence and safety situation — not a healing claim and not an individual recommendation. It does not replace veterinary advice.

Dosageration-dependent, typically about 0.3-0.5 kg/100 kg BW/day as part of the forage; check the Ca:P of the overall ration

AMG statusComplementary feed

FEI statusNot listed

SafetyVery safe

Evidencemoderate

Usage note

This content is for information and education. It does not replace veterinary diagnosis or treatment. If your horse shows signs of illness, consult a veterinarian.

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Xenophon · On Horsemanship (c. 365 BC)

Equiterna is an intermediary platform for equine knowledge, marketplace and tools — not a veterinary-medicines dealer, veterinary practice or pharmacy. Compound information is study-attributed and free of healing claims. Legal framework: Regulation (EU) 2019/6 / TAMG (DE/AT), Feed Regulation (EC) 767/2009, FEI Prohibited Substances List, HWG.