Market Trends of Spain Alfalfa Hay Industry
Increasing Demand for Dairy and Meat Products
Livestock is a major factor responsible for the growth of the alfalfa hay market. Due to its nutritional benefits, alfalfa is one of the most important feed sources for animals worldwide. Alfalfa hay is used primarily as an animal feed for dairy cows, horses, beef cattle, sheep, chickens, turkeys, and other farm animals. It has the most feed value of all perennial pasture forages. Spain is the largest manufacturer as well as exporter of Alfalfa in Europe. Alfalfa hay is a better source of protein for animals. Animals consume more alfalfa than grass hay. Alfalfa is a versatile plant that can be used as high-quality animal feed. Alfalfa hay is considered ideal because of its availability. It is the only forage that is produced and sold in every state.
The increase in meat production in the country is driving the production of alfalfa in Spain. The number of animals in Spain was observed to increase in 2021. According to Eurostat, in 2021, the population of bovines, pigs, sheep, and goats was observed to be 6576.30, 34,454.09, 15081.35, and 2589.09 thousand heads, respectively. Meat production in the country also increased in 2021 compared to the previous year. Animal farming is increasing to meet the increasing demand for high-value animal protein. The demand for alfalfa hay is increasing significantly due to the increasing animal population, driven by the demand for meat and other animal products. The cattle and buffaloes population in Spain is recording steady growth.
High Nutritional Property of Alfalfa is Driving the Export Market
Due to the nutritional benefits, alfalfa hays are higher in protein and minerals and more palatable than grass hays. Alfalfa, in particular, is high in energy and is an excellent source of vitamins and minerals. It contains 15 to 22% crude protein and is an excellent source of a wide range of vitamins and minerals. High-quality hay contains a high percentage of leaves. Leaves provide 50-75% of digestible matter,75% protein, and 90% of carotene in the hay.
According to ITC Trade Map, in 2021, Spain was one of the world's leading exporters of alfalfa meals and pellets. In 2020 the amount of meal and pellets exported was 321.099 tons, which increased to 486,216 tons in 2021. Spain accounted for the export value of USD 112,015 thousand in 2021 compared to USD 71,569 thousand in 2020. In 2021, United Arab Emirates, France, and China were the major importers of alfalfa from Spain. According to the AEFA (The Spanish Association of Manufacturers of Dehydrated Alfalfa), during the 2020/2021 season, 80% of all alfalfa produced in Spain was sent abroad.
Alfalfa is highly digestible and usually contains more cell solubles, less cellulose, and hemicellulose, a higher protein, lower fiber, and higher relative feed value than grass. As the alfalfa plant matures from the vegetative to the flowering stage, the number of fiber increases while crude protein and digestibility decrease. Early-cut alfalfa is more palatable and highly consumed.
