Feed Guides

Rhodes Grass vs Alfalfa Hay: Which Does Your Animal Need?

A side-by-side comparison of the two main hays in the UAE — protein, fibre, calcium, price per kg and which animals each suits — and how to combine them.

Green Graze Fodder team · · Updated · 3 min read

Close-up of green hay bales (illustration)

Quick answer

Rhodes grass is a high-fibre grass hay (about 7–11% crude protein) used as the daily base roughage; alfalfa is a legume hay with about 16–22% crude protein and more calcium, used as a protein top-up. Most UAE rations use both.

Rhodes grass and alfalfa (lucerne, barseem) are the two hays most UAE farms are built on. They are not substitutes for each other: one is mainly fibre, the other mainly protein. Most rations use both.

At a glance

  • Type — Rhodes grass: a grass hay. Alfalfa: a legume hay.
  • Crude protein — Rhodes grass: about 7–11%. Alfalfa: about 16–22%.
  • Fibre — Rhodes grass: high (good for rumination and gut health). Alfalfa: lower; leafier.
  • Calcium — Rhodes grass: low to moderate. Alfalfa: high.
  • Price per kg — Rhodes grass is usually cheaper per kg than alfalfa. See today's live prices on our Rhodes grass and alfalfa price pages.
  • Best as — Rhodes grass: the daily base roughage. Alfalfa: the protein top-up.

When Rhodes grass is the right choice

  • Adult camels, horses at maintenance, sheep and goats at maintenance, and dry cows.
  • Any animal that needs plenty of long fibre to chew and ruminate.
  • When you need a large volume of forage at a lower cost per kg.

When alfalfa is the right choice

  • Milking cows and milking camels, where protein and calcium drive milk output.
  • Young and growing animals, breeding mares, and horses or camels in hard work.
  • To cut down on bought-in protein concentrate.

Using them together

Many UAE farms feed Rhodes grass as the base and add a measured amount of alfalfa for the animals that need more protein. Two cautions:

  • Limit alfalfa for dry cows in the last weeks before calving — its high calcium and potassium can raise the risk of milk fever.
  • Change the mix gradually over 7–10 days so the rumen or gut can adapt.

Checking quality of either hay

Look for green colour, a fresh smell, plenty of leaf and no dust or mould. On large orders, ask for a lab analysis (crude protein, ADF and NDF) so your nutritionist can balance the ration.

Every herd is different: use these as starting points and let your vet or nutritionist set the exact ration. Today's prices for both hays are on our price pages, and you can order online on GrazeMarket or call +971 55 150 9625.

Common questions

Which has more protein, Rhodes grass or alfalfa?

Alfalfa: about 16–22% crude protein, against roughly 7–11% for Rhodes grass.

Is Rhodes grass cheaper than alfalfa?

Usually yes, per kg. Compare today's prices on the Rhodes grass and alfalfa price pages.

Can I feed alfalfa to dry cows?

Limit it in the last weeks before calving: its high calcium and potassium can raise the risk of milk fever.

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