Alfalfa Hay. How much harm can it really do?

[Tickish]

I have an 11 week old piggy who gets alfalfa grass, but my 2 year old piggy likes to steal and eat it.

What's the worst that can happen, and should I separate them to feed the grass to my baby?

 

[ruthigrace23]

I don't have a very educated answer but I know alfalfa is very high in calcium... so maybe feed your older pig foods with less calcium than normal if they are eating the alfalfa.

But I hope other people have some information for you...

 

[Laura-CCC4]

Alfalfa is very high in protein and calcium; it could, if fed for long periods in large amounts, lead to renal problems.

The best solution in your situation is usually to mix a handful of alfalfa in with lots of grass hay, or simply to not feed alfalfa at all. I've had youngsters grow up from as young as three weeks on the same diet as my adult pigs, but if you are concerned about the little one and calcium levels, a couple of sprigs of parsley a day (high in calcium and Vit C) may help put your mind at ease.