How the calculator works
Alpacas eat roughly 1.5–2.5% of their body weight in dry matter each day, depending on life stage (NRC 2007). Hay is about 90% dry matter, so we divide by 0.9 to get pounds of hay as fed. Water needs are estimated at 5–10% of body weight in liters, rising sharply in hot weather and during lactation.
| Life stage | Dry matter (% BW) | Protein target |
|---|---|---|
| Adult maintenance (non-breeding, fiber animals) | 1.8% | 8–10% |
| Pregnant female (months 1-8) | 1.8% | 10–12% |
| Pregnant female (last 3 months) | 2.0% | 12–14% |
| Lactating female | 2.3% | 12–14% |
| Weanling / yearling (growing) | 2.5% | 14–16% |
| Working herdsire | 2.0% | 10–12% |
| Senior (12+ years) | 1.9% | 10–12% |
See also the feeding chart by weight, the hay & feed database and our complete feeding guide.
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Calculators give estimates for planning. Individual animals vary — weigh, body-condition-score and work with your vet. Nothing you type leaves your browser.