Agriculture and Forestry: Feed Test Results: Net Energy Lactation (NEL), Digestible Energy (DE) and Total Digestible Nutrients (TDN)

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Feed Test Results: Net Energy Lactation (NEL), Digestible Energy (DE) and Total Digestible Nutrients (TDN)

The values reported for NEL, DE and TDN content of forages are calculated from the ADF values, determined through chemical analysis, using the following equations:

Grasses (Dry Matter Basis)

NEL = 2.45 - (0.032 x ADF) Maximum = 1.60
DE = 4.618 - (0.0573 x ADF)
TDN = 114.42 - (1.492 x ADF)

Legumes (Dry Matter Basis)

NEL= 2.09 - (0.022 x ADF) Maximum = 1.50
DE = 4.618 - (0.0573 x ADF)
TDN = 88.133 - (0.856 x ADF)

Mixed Forages (Dry Matter Basis)

NEL = 2.30 - (0.028 x ADF) Maximum = 1.55
DE = 4.618 - (0.0573 x ADF)
TDN = 96.038 - (0.032 x ADF)

Corn Silage (Dry Matter Basis)

NEL= 2.25 - (0.024 x ADF) Maximum = 1.75

Since there are different equations used for the various types of forage it is imperative that the sample be correctly identified. While the ADF content of forages is quite variable, the ADF content of cereal grains is low and quite constant. Therefore, book values for energy levels of cereal grains are normally used for formulating diets.

This information has been taken from website "Agriculture and Forestry"
URL: ?number=74178&lang=E
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