Cottonseed vs. Alfalfa - chose one

[Goodfellah]

AC nailed it with both of his post ^^, however, Hsbtgarcia put me on alfalfa earlier in the year, I had deer instantly on it. Think more of an attractant with alfalfa.

[S-3 Ranch]

We feed WCS year round, alfalfa only has nutritional value in the leafy parts, whenever dry
The leafs crumble and are wasted, or wet it’s is moldy and useless

[TXBRASS]

I was surprised at how fast my deer took to the CS. Mixed it with alfalfa that they’ve been eating since July, and it looks like they are picking out the CS first. Been out less than a week.




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[Miller]

I fed both this season in Fort McKavett. The problem with alfalfa out there is they will literally clear a square bale in 2 days or less at times. I can't keep up with unless we get out there every week. So we usually just use that for when we are there or when we will be back soon.

The cottonseed like mentioned is weather tolerant so it is just easier to put a bunch in a wire cage. The problem I am having is finding it between Austin and there at times and of course the cost is going up.

[kerrbow]

I have axis deer and wonder if they like the CS, I know they like the alfalfa.

[S-3 Ranch]

I have axis deer and wonder if they like the CS, I know they like the alfalfa.

The axis in my yard attacked the cotton seed with much vigor
They love it

[Low Fence]

I tried cotton seed 2 years. Not an animal touched it. Added corn... nada. Took off rack and hogs finally ate it. Never tried hay. Seems extremely expensive if they eat it in volume of seed or feed

[Hogmauler]

I’ve put out both in mountain home. The deer literally ran out of cover to the alfalfa the morning after it snowed. I put cotton seed out and most deer smelled it and walked away. What’s up with that?

[Smart]

I put cotton seed out and most deer smelled it and walked away. What’s up with that?

Simple explanation. They have to get used to it.. Its foreign. Throw some corn around in it so they accidentally get a mouth full of it and realize its good. When my deer decided they liked it,they destroyed it. they found every single kernel...event that stomped in the mud by them.








Before and after

[SaltwaterSlick]

Yep, took our deer herd about 8 months to start eating the cottonseed good. Now they'll empty one of those wire feeders in a few days... Especially the bucks, I have cameras on feeders where there is both corn and cottonseed, once they start hitting it, the bucks will almost always be at the cottonseed and ignoring the corn...

[KactusKiller]

In my experience all deer are different and also prefer different feeds at different times.I have had great success with both in different areas of Texas but I've also had both never get touched in certain areas and times of yr. Same with protein and rice bran.

In OP situation, if they eat both well and I have a good supplier of CS in the area its a no brainer, go with the CS. Better nutrition and lasts longer. Alfalfa is really fed more as an attractant than a viable nutrition source in my opinion even tho it is nutritional.
Cottonseed is one of the best all around deer foods because you don't need a special feeder for it. CS only down fall these days is availability and price if your feeding alot of it.

[Hogmauler]

Wow! As usual, great info!

[dc1986]

Not sure if coons eat it or not but they like playing in the baskets.

[menglert]

Not sure if coons eat it or not but they like playing in the baskets.

Yep. And crapping all over the tops

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[SaltwaterSlick]

Coons most definitely like to take a dump in the top of the cottonseed feeders!! This Spring I'm gonna Duke' thay arsses in some o' mine!! Hope to set the trail cam to video...