horse hay analysis
Generally, NDF content of 40-50% and ADF content of 30-35% is considered ideal for performance horses, young stock, and broodmares. | Photo: The Horse Staff

Q.I recently got my hay tested and received the analysis back. I have heard of water-soluble carbohydrates (WSC) and starch, but the analysis also lists “ADF” and “NDF” on it. What are they, and are they relevant?

—Via e-mail

A.The abbreviations “ADF” and “NDF” stand for “acid detergent fiber” and “neutral detergent fiber,” respectively. They are measures of feeds’ cell walls, or structural carbohydrate components

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