Alfafa is a herb that some people consume as an excellent source of calcium, potassium, iron, and Vitamins A, C, E and K.
Alfafa has been used for as a herbal remedy for hundreds of years and has been known to be used for the treatment of high blood pressure, heart diseases as well as digestive disorders.
Can Ducks Eat Alfafa?
Yes, vegetables are generally regarded as healthy treat for birds including ducks and are prized most especially for their vitamin and fibrous content which are extremely nutritious for the health of the ducks.
It is highly recommended to feed ducks alfalfa or food containing alfalfa because it keeps them strong and healthy
Is Alfafa Good for Ducks
Alfafa is an excellent source of many vitamins whose usefulness cannot be overemphasized. It can be fed to ducks as long as it is not treated with herbicides, pesticides or other harmful chemicals that may disrupt the digestive system of the ducks. It may be difficult to ascertain if the Alfafa is free from these toxic substances but the good news is that Alfafa leaves can be grown right in your garden. They cost very little to maintain and usually grow within a short period of time.
Alfalfa also contain amino acids like cysteine which help in the production of keratin in feathers making them stronger thus giving you more robust and healthier ducks that resist disease more readily.
Can Ducks Eat Alfalfa Pellets?
Alfafa pellets are natural alfalfas mechanically processed to retain the nutritional benefits of natural alfalfa. The pellets are made of a mixture of various botanical essences that make them an excellent source of protein and essential nutrients.
Alfalfa is rich in calcium and niacin; two nutrients which are incredibly important for healthy feather development and laying eggs with strong shells. Ducks can be eat alfalfa pellets as they are high in proteins and a duck’s diet should contain a substantial amount of protein for them to get the necessary health benefits out of the foods as much as possible. The pellets should be given in small portions so as to overload the duck’s system with high levels of proteins which would also present its own share of problems for the bird.
Alfalfa is also an excellent alternative to grains and corns and are much cheaper. As a result of this, it is a much more effective and cheaper way of raising strong and healthy ducks.
Can Ducks Eat Alfalfa Sprouts?
It is encouraged to make sure that alfalfa sprouts are fresh and not store bought because these could contain pesticides and herbicides that would do more damage than good in the digestive system of the bird. Alfalfa sprouts are young seedlings that appear as germinated form of the alfalfa seeds when first planted. As long as these sprouts do not come in contact with any external contaminants, they should be safe for consumption.
How to Feed Ducks Alfalfa
There is no specific way or manner in which to feed this nutritious vegetable to ducks as they are easily ingested and digestible.
Alfalfa can be served as a raw vegetable, as pellets (processed alfalfa mixed with other nutritious essences) and as sprouts. For the ducks to be able to eat the pellets easier, soak them in some warm water and then serve them to the ducks, this makes it easier for the duck to both ingest and digest.
Both the leaf, sprouts and stems of the alfalfa vegetable are beneficial to the general heath of the duck and can be fed on a regular basis or according to the scheduled diet prepared for the duck.
Health Benefits of Alfalfa to Ducks
There are many vitamins and minerals which are all healthy benefits gotten from alfalfa. They include;
- Vitamin B1: Also known as “Thiamine”. A lack of this mineral can lead to degenerative diseases, loss of sensation, paralysis and death. It helps the body of the ducks generate energy from nutrients.
- Vitamin B2: A black of this vitamin could result in fatigue, swollen throats and blurred vision.
- Vitamin K: This is beneficial for blood clotting and bine health. It is the most abundant vitamin found in the alfalfa vegetable
- Vitamin C: Vitamin C helps enhance their immune system and alleviate metabolic signs of stress including helping with heat stress from exposure to hot weather
- Folate: A lack of this mineral has been linked to poor growth in ducks, anemia, poor feathering and egg production.
- Iron: This is necessary for the body to manufacture hemoglobin for the blood to carry oxygen, without which the organs in the ducks’ system would collapse.
- Magnesium: This mineral is involved in the regulation of blood sugar, blood pressure, and muscle and nerve functions.
- Manganese: It serves a very important role in normal bone and eggshell formation,and nutrients metabolism.
- Copper: Although found in very small amounts, the presence of copper could serve as an antibacterial aiding the immune system in fighting foreign substances.
Alfalfa is also rich in anti-oxidants like beta-carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin. This helps in protecting the body from damage caused by free radicals.
Other herbs that Ducks could also indulge in include;
- Sages
- Chives
- Lemon Balm
- Cilantro
- Lovage
- Parsley
- Rosemary
Final Words
The raw vegetable form of alfalfa and the pellet form seems to be the favorite of most ducks and they seem to deny eating sprouts every so often but ducks love alfalfa and will eat it most of the time. While herbs and vegetables seem like the healthiest option to feed a duck, it would be better to mix the diet with seeds, grains and even insects to create a variety of food where they get the necessary balance of nutrients.
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