- Type
- Grass hay
- Crude protein
- 11%
- NSC (sugar + starch)
- 11%
- Ca : P
- 1.2 : 1
Soft, leafy and palatable. Slightly richer than timothy, making it a good all-round choice.
Typical nutrient profile
| Measure (dry-matter basis) | Typical value | Rating for alpacas |
|---|---|---|
| Dry matter | 89% | As-fed moisture: dry, stores well |
| Crude protein | 11% | Good |
| ADF (acid detergent fiber) | 35% | Good digestibility |
| NDF (neutral detergent fiber) | 60% | Fibrous — limits intake |
| TDN (energy) | 57% | Moderate energy |
| Calcium | 0.35% | |
| Phosphorus | 0.3% | |
| Ca : P ratio | 1.2 : 1 | Calcium-heavy |
| NSC (sugar + starch) | 11% | 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 | Orchardgrass Hay (11% 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% | Slightly low add some alfalfa or a camelid pellet |
| Lactating female | 12–14% | Slightly low add some alfalfa or a camelid pellet |
| Weanling / yearling (growing) | 14–16% | Too low needs a protein supplement |
| 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) | 3.0 lb (1.4 kg) | 92 lb |
| Pregnant female (months 1-8) | 3.0 lb (1.4 kg) | 92 lb |
| Pregnant female (last 3 months) | 3.4 lb (1.5 kg) | 102 lb |
| Lactating female | 3.9 lb (1.8 kg) | 118 lb |
| Weanling / yearling (growing) | 4.2 lb (1.9 kg) | 128 lb |
| Working herdsire | 3.4 lb (1.5 kg) | 102 lb |
| Senior (12+ years) | 3.2 lb (1.5 kg) | 97 lb |
Use the feeding calculator for your animal's exact weight, or see the feeding chart by weight.
Protein compared with other hays
Best for
- Maintenance
- Early pregnancy
- Seniors
Frequently asked questions
Is orchardgrass hay good for alpacas?
Soft, leafy and palatable. Slightly richer than timothy, making it a good all-round choice. With about 11% crude protein it is good for alpacas.
How much orchardgrass 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.
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.