Convert feed and crop measurements from as-fed basis to dry matter basis. Essential for accurate livestock nutrition and feed analysis.
Last updated: March 2026
Weight in pounds or kg (leave empty for percentage only)
Moisture content as percentage (0-100)
Protein, fiber, or other nutrient percentage as-fed
Dry matter (DM) is the portion of feed or crop remaining after all moisture has been removed. It represents the actual nutritional content of feed—the proteins, carbohydrates, fats, minerals, and fiber that animals can utilize for growth, maintenance, and production.
Feed moisture content varies significantly between different types of feed and even within the same feed type depending on storage conditions and harvest timing. Fresh silage might contain 60-70% moisture, while dry hay contains only 10-15%. Comparing feeds on an as-fed basis can be misleading because you're comparing different amounts of actual nutrients mixed with different amounts of water.
Converting to a dry matter basis standardizes comparisons by removing the variable of moisture content. This allows accurate assessment of feed value, proper ration formulation, and meaningful cost comparisons. Nutritionists and feed analysts always express nutrient requirements and feed composition on a dry matter basis for these reasons.
Compare protein content of corn silage and alfalfa hay:
While corn silage appears to have only 3% protein as-fed, it actually contains 8.57% protein on a dry matter basis. This is the true protein concentration and allows fair comparison with dry feeds like hay (typically 15-20% protein DM).
Animals don't eat moisture—they eat nutrients. Comparing feeds on an as-fed basis is misleading because high-moisture feeds appear less nutritious. DM basis reveals true nutrient concentration for accurate ration formulation.
Silage: 50-70%, Haylage: 40-60%, Dry hay: 10-18%, Grain: 10-15%, Pasture: 75-85%. Fresh forages are mostly water, while processed feeds and grains are much drier.
For comparing nutritional value and formulating rations, yes. For practical feeding (how much to physically feed), use as-fed weights. Most ration software converts between them automatically.
You're paying for nutrients, not water. A feed at $200/ton with 50% moisture costs $400/ton DM. Compare feeds on $/ton of DM to determine true value.
Yes. Overly dry hay (<5% moisture) is brittle, loses leaves, and has reduced palatability. Grain stored too dry (<10%) can actually deteriorate. Ideal moisture depends on feed type and storage method.
Test each new feed lot or harvest. Moisture varies by weather, maturity at harvest, curing time, and storage. Even the same field harvested different days will vary.
Use published average values as estimates, but for accurate rations, test your specific feed. Even 5-10% moisture difference significantly impacts nutrient delivery and can under or overfeed animals.
Yes. Fermentation in silage produces heat and gas, reducing DM. Hay left exposed to rain increases moisture. Properly stored dry feeds maintain fairly stable DM over time.
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