RFV and quality metrics: what importers should check in hay

Note: This English content is pending editorial review.

“Good hay” is not a reliable order specification. If you import, you should be able to express quality in numbers — that is how batches are compared and rations planned with confidence. Here are the metrics that matter.

Crude protein: the first look

Crude protein is the best-known metric. For alfalfa destined for dairy cattle, a good target range is roughly 16–20 % of dry matter. More important than the peak value is consistency across batches — fluctuating protein complicates ration planning more than a slightly lower but stable level.

RFV: the comparison value

The RFV (Relative Feed Value) combines digestibility and intake into a single figure. It is well suited to comparing batches and suppliers quickly: the higher the RFV, the higher the feed value. As a guide — not a hard threshold — premium alfalfa hay often sits at RFV 150 and above.

ADF and NDF: the fibre values

Behind the RFV sit two fibre metrics:

• ADF (acid detergent fibre): correlates with digestibility — lower values usually mean higher digestibility.
• NDF (neutral detergent fibre): represents total fibre and influences intake.

For more structural forage such as tall fescue, higher fibre values are typical — here the structural effect matters, not maximum RFV.

Dry matter and leaf content

Two practical metrics round out the picture:

• Dry matter: important for storability and the actual nutritional value per kilo.
• Leaf content: the leaf carries the protein — a high leaf share is a visible quality marker.

What to ask a supplier

A reputable supplier can report on every batch. Actively ask for crude protein, RFV, ADF/NDF, dry matter and leaf content — and have the figures confirmed per delivery, not just as a general statement.

In brief

• Crude protein 16–20 % is a good target — consistency beats peak values.
• RFV is ideal for quick batch comparison; ADF/NDF give the detail.
• Dry matter and leaf content complete the picture — ask per batch.

Tell us your quality requirement and delivery destination — we’ll match batches and terms. More on our export page.