- Type
- Pasture
- Crude protein
- 20%
- NSC (sugar + starch)
- 15%
- Ca : P
- 1.4 : 1
Lush and rich; transition gradually and watch body condition.
Typical nutrient profile
| Measure (dry-matter basis) | Typical value | Rating for alpacas |
|---|---|---|
| Dry matter | 22% | As-fed moisture: fresh/wet |
| Crude protein | 20% | Very high |
| ADF (acid detergent fiber) | 26% | Highly digestible |
| NDF (neutral detergent fiber) | 48% | Average |
| TDN (energy) | 68% | High energy |
| Calcium | 0.5% | |
| Phosphorus | 0.35% | |
| Ca : P ratio | 1.4 : 1 | Balanced |
| NSC (sugar + starch) | 15% | Moderate |
| 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 | Cool-Season Pasture (spring, leafy) (20% CP) |
|---|---|---|
| Adult maintenance (non-breeding, fiber animals) | 8–10% | Rich mix with grass hay |
| Pregnant female (months 1-8) | 10–12% | Rich mix with grass hay |
| Pregnant female (last 3 months) | 12–14% | Rich mix with grass hay |
| Lactating female | 12–14% | Rich mix with grass hay |
| Weanling / yearling (growing) | 14–16% | Meets needs |
| Working herdsire | 10–12% | Rich mix with grass hay |
| Senior (12+ years) | 10–12% | Rich mix with grass hay |
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) | 12.3 lb (5.6 kg) | 373 lb |
| Pregnant female (months 1-8) | 12.3 lb (5.6 kg) | 373 lb |
| Pregnant female (last 3 months) | 13.6 lb (6.2 kg) | 414 lb |
| Lactating female | 15.7 lb (7.1 kg) | 476 lb |
| Weanling / yearling (growing) | 17.0 lb (7.7 kg) | 518 lb |
| Working herdsire | 13.6 lb (6.2 kg) | 414 lb |
| Senior (12+ years) | 12.9 lb (5.9 kg) | 394 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
- Lactation
- Growth
Frequently asked questions
Is cool-season pasture (spring, leafy) good for alpacas?
Lush and rich; transition gradually and watch body condition. With about 20% crude protein it is very high for alpacas.
How much cool-season pasture (spring, leafy) does an alpaca eat per day?
About 12.3 lb (5.6 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.