- Type
- Grass hay
- Crude protein
- 6.5%
- NSC (sugar + starch)
- 8%
- Ca : P
- 3.3 : 1
Low protein and phosphorus. Fine for idle adults with a protein/mineral supplement; inadequate alone for breeding stock.
Typical nutrient profile
| Measure (dry-matter basis) | Typical value | Rating for alpacas |
|---|---|---|
| Dry matter | 91% | As-fed moisture: dry, stores well |
| Crude protein | 6.5% | Very low — not a sole feed |
| ADF (acid detergent fiber) | 42% | Fair — coarse |
| NDF (neutral detergent fiber) | 68% | Fibrous — limits intake |
| TDN (energy) | 50% | Low energy |
| Calcium | 0.4% | |
| Phosphorus | 0.12% | |
| Ca : P ratio | 3.3 : 1 | Calcium-heavy |
| NSC (sugar + starch) | 8% | 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 | Native Prairie Hay (6.5% CP) |
|---|---|---|
| Adult maintenance (non-breeding, fiber animals) | 8–10% | Slightly low add some alfalfa or a camelid pellet |
| Pregnant female (months 1-8) | 10–12% | Too low needs a protein supplement |
| 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% | Too low needs a protein supplement |
| Senior (12+ years) | 10–12% | Too low needs a protein supplement |
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 (1.3 kg) | 90 lb |
| Pregnant female (months 1-8) | 3.0 lb (1.3 kg) | 90 lb |
| Pregnant female (last 3 months) | 3.3 lb (1.5 kg) | 100 lb |
| Lactating female | 3.8 lb (1.7 kg) | 115 lb |
| Weanling / yearling (growing) | 4.1 lb (1.9 kg) | 125 lb |
| Working herdsire | 3.3 lb (1.5 kg) | 100 lb |
| Senior (12+ years) | 3.1 lb (1.4 kg) | 95 lb |
Use the feeding calculator for your animal's exact weight, or see the feeding chart by weight.
Protein compared with other hays
Frequently asked questions
Is native prairie hay good for alpacas?
How much native prairie hay does an alpaca eat per day?
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.