- Type
- Cereal hay
- Crude protein
- 9%
- NSC (sugar + starch)
- 20%
- Ca : P
- 1.1 : 1
Watch for barbed awns that injure mouths if cut after heading.
Typical nutrient profile
| Measure (dry-matter basis) | Typical value | Rating for alpacas |
|---|---|---|
| Dry matter | 90% | As-fed moisture: dry, stores well |
| Crude protein | 9% | Maintenance level |
| ADF (acid detergent fiber) | 34% | Good digestibility |
| NDF (neutral detergent fiber) | 56% | Average |
| TDN (energy) | 57% | Moderate energy |
| Calcium | 0.3% | |
| Phosphorus | 0.28% | |
| Ca : P ratio | 1.1 : 1 | Calcium-heavy |
| NSC (sugar + starch) | 20% | High — limit for easy keepers |
| Fat | 2.5% |
Typical averages from published feed-composition tables. Hay varies enormously with species, maturity, soil and curing — a forage test (about $25–$40) is the only way to know what your hay provides.
Does it meet each life stage's protein needs?
| Life stage | Protein target | Barley Hay (9% CP) |
|---|---|---|
| Adult maintenance (non-breeding, fiber animals) | 8–10% | Meets needs |
| Pregnant female (months 1-8) | 10–12% | Slightly low add some alfalfa or a camelid pellet |
| Pregnant female (last 3 months) | 12–14% | Too low needs a protein supplement |
| Lactating female | 12–14% | Too low needs a protein supplement |
| Weanling / yearling (growing) | 14–16% | Too low needs a protein supplement |
| Working herdsire | 10–12% | Slightly low add some alfalfa or a camelid pellet |
| Senior (12+ years) | 10–12% | Slightly low add some alfalfa or a camelid pellet |
How much to feed
As the main forage, a typical 150 lb (68 kg) alpaca eats roughly:
| Life stage | Per day (as fed) | Per month |
|---|---|---|
| Adult maintenance (non-breeding, fiber animals) | 3.0 lb (1.4 kg) | 91 lb |
| Pregnant female (months 1-8) | 3.0 lb (1.4 kg) | 91 lb |
| Pregnant female (last 3 months) | 3.3 lb (1.5 kg) | 101 lb |
| Lactating female | 3.8 lb (1.7 kg) | 116 lb |
| Weanling / yearling (growing) | 4.2 lb (1.9 kg) | 127 lb |
| Working herdsire | 3.3 lb (1.5 kg) | 101 lb |
| Senior (12+ years) | 3.2 lb (1.4 kg) | 96 lb |
Use the feeding calculator for your animal's exact weight, or see the feeding chart by weight.
Protein compared with other hays
Use with care for
- Overweight alpacas
Frequently asked questions
Is barley hay good for alpacas?
Watch for barbed awns that injure mouths if cut after heading. With about 9% crude protein it is maintenance level for alpacas.
How much barley hay does an alpaca eat per day?
About 3.0 lb (1.4 kg) per day for a 150 lb adult at maintenance if fed as the main forage.
Is it too high in sugar?
At around 20% NSC it is on the high side; limit it for overweight or inactive alpacas and test your hay.
This page is educational and does not replace advice from a veterinarian who has examined your animals. Camelid medicine uses many drugs “extra-label”, so dosing must come from your vet. In an emergency, call your vet first. Read our disclaimer · How we write and review content.