using alfalfa hay for fill on show day

How do you use it so you don't bloat. How much do you feed. We only feed our calves grass hay.

We start about a week out from the show either adding alfalfa to the hay I put out at night or switch over to a blended hay. We feed blended hay at shows almost exclusively.

Great sight. This sight always has something to learn or different ways to go about thing. I was advise on here like 2 years ago to pull hay (any kind)2-3 days before show. And no more till they get home.  That's what we've done since.... to every show we go too.  Alpha is the way to,  Good too know.  Srry not trying to jack your thread.

Now this is interesting.

You're saying you don't feed any hay at shows?

What's the reasoning for that?

How do you get your animals full?

Adequate roughage on the road is incredibly important.

I'm honestly fascinated by this.

Also, we start with half a slice of alfalfa or one whole slice of blended. And for fill, just take a couple handfuls at a time until you get there.  It takes some time, but it's usually the best fill you can get in terms of a natural look and for holding that fill.

So how long before the show do you start feeding them and how quick are the results. We just want to know so we can know when to give them a little more. Thanks for your help.

If you read my posts in this very thread, I think you'll find your answers.

As far as how fast it works, you can't feed body and width into one in a week. Filling on up is all well and good, but they need to have a good deal of volume before you do the final push.

Curious about trying this versus our usual routine.  Can you utilize alfalfa cubes rather than hay to gain fill?  What about their stools?  Will we need to re-adjust their diet to compensate for the extra protein?