What is dry matter and why is this important?

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Livestock need to consume a certain amount of dry matter per day (measured in lbs or kg/day) to maintain health and production. The daily amount of dry matter needed depends upon several factors including, weight and stage of production (e.g., lactating, pregnant, weaning, finishing). Dry matter intake (DMI) can be estimated by using published reference tables that provide the percent dry matter in various dry (hay and grain), fresh, and ensiled feeds. There are also methods to measure the actual dry matter in feed.

Under the NOP regulations, ruminants must obtain at least 30% of their dry matter intake (DMI) from grazing on pasture during the grazing season.

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