Forage Quality Calculator
Calculate Relative Feed Value (RFV) using ADF and NDF test results.
Inputs
How It Works
Digestible Dry Matter (DDM) = 88.9 − (0.779 × ADF)
Dry Matter Intake (DMI) = 120 ÷ NDF
RFV = (DDM × DMI) ÷ 1.29
Related Calculators
FAQ
What is a good RFV?
RFV of 100 equals full bloom alfalfa. Dairy-quality hay is typically 150+ RFV.
What does ADF measure?
Acid Detergent Fiber (ADF) estimates digestibility. Lower ADF generally means higher digestibility.
What does NDF measure?
Neutral Detergent Fiber (NDF) estimates intake potential. Lower NDF usually allows higher intake.
Understanding Forage Quality
Forage quality directly affects livestock performance, milk production, and weight gain. Laboratory forage testing provides ADF and NDF values used to estimate digestibility and intake potential.
Relative Feed Value (RFV) combines digestibility and intake into a single index. Higher RFV indicates higher quality forage.
Monitoring forage quality helps producers make better feeding decisions and optimize ration balancing.