Alfalfa can be useful for cows because it provides protein, energy, minerals, and vitamins. It can also help with:
Ruminal digestion
Alfalfa has a faster rate of digestion than most grasses, which allows cows to eat more forage.
Milk production
Alfalfa hay's high energy value supports milk production.
Ruminative chewing
Alfalfa's coarse structural fiber stimulates ruminative chewing and salivation, which results in rumen buffering.
Protein
Alfalfa can provide protein for cattle that are fed poor quality grass hay or grazing corn stalks.
Fiber
Alfalfa has a faster rate of fiber digestion than grasses, which can help prevent acid accumulation in the rumen.