Dry Matter Intake Calculator
Calculate livestock daily dry matter intake (DMI) and required as-fed intake based on body weight and feed moisture.
Inputs
How It Works
Dry Matter Intake = Body Weight × Intake %
As-Fed Intake = DMI ÷ Dry Matter %
Intake percentage varies by species and production stage.
Related Calculators
FAQ
What is dry matter intake (DMI)?
Dry matter intake represents the amount of feed consumed excluding water content. It measures actual nutrient intake.
Why adjust for feed moisture?
Feeds vary in moisture content. Converting to dry matter ensures accurate ration balancing and nutrient delivery.
What intake percentage is typical?
Beef cattle commonly consume 2–3% of body weight on a dry matter basis, while dairy cattle may consume 3–4%.
Understanding Dry Matter Intake in Livestock Nutrition
Dry matter intake (DMI) is one of the most important measurements in livestock nutrition and feed management. It represents the amount of feed consumed excluding water content, allowing producers to measure actual nutrient intake rather than total feed weight. Because feeds such as silage, haylage, and fresh pasture contain varying moisture levels, calculating intake on a dry matter basis ensures consistency and accuracy.
Livestock typically consume feed as a percentage of body weight. Beef cattle often consume 2 to 3 percent of body weight in dry matter daily, while high-producing dairy cattle may consume 3 to 4 percent. Growth stage, milk production, environmental conditions, and forage quality all influence intake levels.
Converting dry matter intake to as-fed intake accounts for feed moisture percentage. For example, a feed that is 60 percent dry matter requires a greater as-fed amount to meet the same nutrient requirement compared to a feed that is 90 percent dry matter. Using a dry matter intake calculator improves ration balancing, feed budgeting, and overall herd efficiency while helping reduce overfeeding or underfeeding risks.