Understanding Hay Analysis
Understanding Hay Analysis
A hay analysis shows what is in your horse’s hay. It can help you compare different batches and choose forage that suits your horse’s needs. The numbers can look complicated, so here is a simple guide.
Start with dry matter
Most reports show results “as fed” and on a dry matter (DM) basis. Dry matter removes the water so you can compare different hays fairly. Use the same column when comparing figures.
If your report uses g/kg, divide the number by 10 to get a percentage. For example, 148 g/kg DM = 14.8% DM.
What do the main figures mean?
| Figure | What it tells you |
|---|---|
| Moisture | How much water is in the hay. Hay that is too damp is more likely to spoil in storage. |
| Crude protein (CP) | An estimate of the hay’s protein content. A higher number does not automatically mean better hay; it depends on the horse. |
| Digestible energy (DE) | How much usable energy the hay provides. This is useful when choosing forage for a good doer or a horse in hard work. |
| NDF | A measure of fibre. Higher NDF often means coarser hay that a horse may eat less readily. |
| ADF | A measure of fibre linked to digestibility. Higher ADF generally means less digestible hay. |
| WSC | Water-soluble carbohydrates, including sugars and fructans. |
| ESC | Mainly simple sugars. Some reports label this figure “sugar”. |
| Starch | A source of energy. Hay usually contains relatively little starch. |
| NSC | A combined carbohydrate figure, commonly calculated as WSC + starch. Check how your laboratory calculates it. |
| Ash | The total mineral content. An unusually high result may be worth checking for soil contamination. |
Tip: WSC and ESC overlap, so do not add them together.
What is a good hay analysis?
There is no single “perfect” result. The right hay depends on the horse, its workload, body condition and the rest of its diet. A horse in hard work may need more energy, while a good doer may need lower-energy forage. If your horse is prone to laminitis or has an insulin condition, pay particular attention to the sugar and starch figures and ask your vet or equine nutritionist for advice.
Remember that an analysis describes the batch sampled. Results can vary between fields and cuts. Always check that the hay itself smells fresh and has no visible mould.
Need help choosing hay? Explore our hay range or contact the N P Nunn team.
