Fourways Group

Forage Samples explained

ADF, DDM, ME, CP, WSC and NDF are all expressed on a Dry Matter (DM) i.e. Moisture-free basis.  

 

ADF = Acid Detergent Fibre - The residue that remains after extraction of plant material with an acid detergent solution. 

ADF gives a useful indication of the plant material that is indigestible to ruminants.  

 

DDM = Digestible Dry Matter - The difference between the DM consumed and the DM excreted in the faeces, expressed as a percentage of the DM consumed. 

DDM is estimated using a laboratory procedure calibrated against DDM values for feedstuffs measured in feeding trials with live animals, usually sheep.  

 

ME = Metabolisable Energy - The energy in the feed available to the animal to maintain body activity and growth etc. 

ME is calculated from DDM and is expressed as Mega Joules (MJ) per kg DM.  

 

CP = Crude Protein - The amount of true protein and non-protein-nitrogen in a feed and ultimately provides the building blocks of the body, the amino acids. 

CP is determined as Nitrogen content x 6.25. 

 

WSC = Water Soluble Carbohydrates - The readily fermentable plant sugars extracted by water solutions that are used as a palatability attribute for Export Cereal Hay.  High levels are desirable.  

 

NDF = Neutral Detergent Fibre - The residue remaining after extraction of plant material with a neutral detergent solution, being mostly cell wall material. 

NDF contains hemicellulose that may be digestible. 

 

Mature stock require about 7.0% CP and 8.0 MJ ME per Kg in their diet DM for maintenance.