FORAGE ANALYSIS TERMS AND DEFINITIONS
ADF – Acid Detergent Fiber: portion of the fiber containing cellulose, lignin and silica (lower is better)
NDF – Neutral Detergent Fiber: portion of the fiber containing cellulose, lignin, and hemicellulose and silica (lower is better)
TDN – Total Digestible Nutrients: estimate of the digestible protein, fiber, carbohydrates, and fat as expressed as a % of the feed (higher is better)
NEl – Net Energy Lactation: estimate of energy available to an animal for milk production (higher is better)
NEm – Net Energy Maintenance: estimate of energy available to maintain an animal (higher is better)
NEg – Net Energy Gain: estimate of energy available to an animal for growth and weight gain (higher is better)
IVTD -- % in vitro true digestibility: positively related to energy availability – actually digestibility reading (higher is better)
*can also be given as IVTDMD 48: which is giving incubation period in hours.
Lignin % -- Indigestible plant component gives cell wall strength, reduces digestibility
TSI – Total Sugars as Invert, given as a % (higher is better)
NDIP – Neutral Detergent Insoluble Protein
FAT – Ether Extract: ether soluble fats, oils, lipids and pigments
ASH – Inorganic mineral residue
NDFN – Nitrogen free NDF
NFC – Non Fibrous Carbohydrates
D.M. – Dry Matter