Practical pricing of hay based on their nutrient content | Dellait

Álvaro García

Accurately pricing alfalfa and grass hay requires considering its nutrient content rather than relying solely on market averages. Nutritional metrics such as Crude Protein (CP), Relative Feed Value (RFV), Relative Forage Quality (RFQ), Neutral Detergent Fiber (NDF), and Acid Detergent Fiber (ADF) provide a more precise evaluation of feed quality and value.

Key nutrient metrics for hay pricing

1. Crude Protein (CP): Measures the total protein content, indicating the hay’s ability to meet animal protein requirements. Higher CP content typically increases hay value, especially for lactating or growing animals.
2. Relative Feed Value (RFV): Reflects hay digestibility and intake potential based on NDF and ADF. While RFV is primarily used for alfalfa, it can also provide a useful, though less precise, measure for grasses. An RFV of 100 is considered the standard benchmark, with values above 150 indicating premium quality.
3. Relative Forage Quality (RFQ): Improves upon RFV by incorporating fiber digestibility, and it is widely used for both alfalfa and grasses to provide a more accurate estimate of animal performance.
4. Neutral Detergent Fiber (NDF): Represents the structural components of the plant. Lower NDF indicates higher intake potential, increasing hay value.
5. Acid Detergent Fiber (ADF): Indicates the indigestible portion of the forage. Lower ADF values signify greater digestibility and higher energy content.

Pricing based on nutrient content

Use the following steps to price hay effectively:

1. Obtain a forage analysis report that includes CP, RFV, RFQ, NDF, and ADF.
2. Compare results to standard benchmarks for hay quality classes:
   • Supreme: RFV > 185, CP > 22%
   • Premium: RFV 150-185, CP 20-22%
   • Good: RFV 125-150, CP 18-20%
   • Fair: RFV 100-125, CP 16-18%
   • Utility: RFV < 100, CP < 16%
3. Adjust for Nutrient Value: Assign a premium or discount based on deviations from standard values. For example:
   • Higher CP or RFQ: Increase price per ton.
   • Elevated NDF or ADF: Decrease price per ton due to lower digestibility.
4. Adjust prices based on regional demand, transportation costs, and seasonal availability.

Example calculation

Suppose an alfalfa hay sample has the following results:

• CP: 20% (Premium category)
• RFV: 170 (Premium)
• RFQ: 160
• NDF: 38% (low, indicating good intake potential)
• ADF: 28% (low, indicating high digestibility)

If the base market price for good-quality hay is $200/ton, premiums can be added for higher CP and RFQ:

• CP Premium: +$15/ton
• RFQ Premium: +$10/ton

Final Price: $200 + $15 + $10 = $225/ton

Pricing alfalfa and grass hay based on nutrient content ensures fair value for both buyers and sellers. Measuring parameters like CP, RFV, RFQ, NDF, and ADF provide accurate assessment of quality, enabling producers to adjust prices accordingly and optimize feed efficiency for livestock.

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