- Type
- Fermented forage
- Crude protein
- 12%
- NSC (sugar + starch)
- 5%
- Ca : P
- 1.7 : 1
Risk of listeriosis and botulism if poorly made; most camelid keepers avoid it.
Typical nutrient profile
| Measure (dry-matter basis) | Typical value | Rating for alpacas |
|---|---|---|
| Dry matter | 45% | As-fed moisture: fresh/wet |
| Crude protein | 12% | Good |
| ADF (acid detergent fiber) | 36% | Good digestibility |
| NDF (neutral detergent fiber) | 58% | Average |
| TDN (energy) | 58% | Moderate energy |
| Calcium | 0.5% | |
| Phosphorus | 0.3% | |
| Ca : P ratio | 1.7 : 1 | Balanced |
| NSC (sugar + starch) | 5% | Low sugar/starch |
| 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 | Grass Haylage (12% CP) |
|---|---|---|
| Adult maintenance (non-breeding, fiber animals) | 8–10% | Meets needs |
| Pregnant female (months 1-8) | 10–12% | Meets needs |
| Pregnant female (last 3 months) | 12–14% | Meets needs |
| Lactating female | 12–14% | Meets needs |
| Weanling / yearling (growing) | 14–16% | Slightly low add some alfalfa or a camelid pellet |
| Working herdsire | 10–12% | Meets needs |
| Senior (12+ years) | 10–12% | Meets needs |
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) | 6.0 lb (2.7 kg) | 182 lb |
| Pregnant female (months 1-8) | 6.0 lb (2.7 kg) | 182 lb |
| Pregnant female (last 3 months) | 6.7 lb (3.0 kg) | 203 lb |
| Lactating female | 7.7 lb (3.5 kg) | 233 lb |
| Weanling / yearling (growing) | 8.3 lb (3.8 kg) | 253 lb |
| Working herdsire | 6.7 lb (3.0 kg) | 203 lb |
| Senior (12+ years) | 6.3 lb (2.9 kg) | 192 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
- Poor-quality lots
Frequently asked questions
Is grass haylage good for alpacas?
Risk of listeriosis and botulism if poorly made; most camelid keepers avoid it. With about 12% crude protein it is good for alpacas.
How much grass haylage does an alpaca eat per day?
About 6.0 lb (2.7 kg) per day for a 150 lb adult at maintenance if fed as the main forage.
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.