Understanding Hay Analysis

Producing high-quality horse hay isn’t just about how it looks in the bale — it’s about what’s inside it. At N P Nunn Ltd, we use laboratory forage analysis to ensure our hay meets the standards expected by Newmarket’s leading competition yards, studs, and horse owners.

A hay analysis provides a clear, scientific breakdown of nutritional value, helping you feed with confidence and consistency.

Why Hay Analysis Matters

Every field, cut, and season produces slightly different forage. By analysing each batch, we can:

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  Maintain consistent quality across our hay
  
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  Ensure suitability for a wide range of horses
  
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  Provide transparency to our customers
  
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  Support tailored feeding programmes
  

For horse owners, this means fewer surprises and better control over condition, performance, and health.

Key Values Explained

Dry Matter (DM)

Indicates how well the hay has been cured. Proper dry matter levels ensure the hay is safe to store, free from mould risk, and retains its natural colour and aroma.

Crude Protein (CP)

Measures total protein content. Our hay is produced to provide balanced protein levels suitable for most horses without being excessively rich.

Digestible Energy (DE)

Represents the calorie value of the forage. This helps determine how much additional feed may be required depending on workload and condition.

Fibre (NDF & ADF)

These values relate to digestibility and gut health. Well-balanced fibre supports natural feeding behaviour, digestive function, and overall wellbeing.

Water Soluble Carbohydrates (WSC – Sugars)

An important figure for horses prone to laminitis or metabolic issues. We manage cutting timing and grass species to maintain appropriate sugar levels.

Starch

Naturally low in hay, making it a safe forage base for most feeding regimes.

Our Approach at N P Nunn Ltd

We produce hay specifically for the equine market, focusing on:

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  Early cutting for softness and leaf content
  
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  Carefully selected grass species
  
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  Controlled fertiliser inputs
  
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  Clean, well-managed fields
  
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  Careful curing and covered storage
  

Each decision is made to produce forage that is not only visually appealing but nutritionally appropriate.

Feeding With Confidence

Understanding hay analysis allows you to match forage to your horse’s needs — whether for maintenance, performance, or specialised diets.

If you require batch-specific analysis or guidance on selecting the right hay, our team is always happy to help.

N P Nunn Ltd – Premium Horse Hay, Newmarket, Suffolk