- Type
- Pasture
- Crude protein
- 10%
- NSC (sugar + starch)
- 12%
- Ca : P
- 1.8 : 1
Typical nutrient profile
| Measure (dry-matter basis) | Typical value | Rating for alpacas |
|---|---|---|
| Dry matter | 30% | As-fed moisture: fresh/wet |
| Crude protein | 10% | Good |
| ADF (acid detergent fiber) | 38% | Good digestibility |
| NDF (neutral detergent fiber) | 62% | Fibrous — limits intake |
| TDN (energy) | 55% | Moderate energy |
| Calcium | 0.45% | |
| Phosphorus | 0.25% | |
| Ca : P ratio | 1.8 : 1 | Balanced |
| NSC (sugar + starch) | 12% | 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 | Grass Pasture (summer, mature) (10% 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) | 9.0 lb (4.1 kg) | 273 lb |
| Pregnant female (months 1-8) | 9.0 lb (4.1 kg) | 273 lb |
| Pregnant female (last 3 months) | 10.0 lb (4.5 kg) | 304 lb |
| Lactating female | 11.5 lb (5.2 kg) | 349 lb |
| Weanling / yearling (growing) | 12.5 lb (5.7 kg) | 380 lb |
| Working herdsire | 10.0 lb (4.5 kg) | 304 lb |
| Senior (12+ years) | 9.5 lb (4.3 kg) | 289 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
Frequently asked questions
Is grass pasture (summer, mature) good for alpacas?
With about 10% crude protein it is good for alpacas.
How much grass pasture (summer, mature) does an alpaca eat per day?
About 9.0 lb (4.1 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.