Nutritional Characteristics of Feed Ingredients for Ruminants

This short guide summarizes the nutritional value of forages, concentrate ingredients and byproduct feeds commonly used in ruminant diets in Ireland.

14 September 2026 Type Factsheet

By Teagasc

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Feeds are evaluated on a dry matter (DM) basis. Feed energy content is measured as UFL (UFV for intensive beef diets). Protein value is expressed as PDI (grams of absorbed protein); this is a more appropriate measure than crude protein (CP). Fibre content of feeds is expressed as neutral detergent fibre (NDF).

Meeting diet NDF requirements is essential to ensuring good rumen function and health; can be achieved by having adequate forage in the diet.