Feed evaluation parameters describe the physical, chemical and biological characteristics of feed. The categories below reflect the main types of parameters commonly used in international feed analysis. Actual parameters and analytical methods may vary per country or feed type.
| Category | Example parameters | Purpose / what it tells you |
| Composition | dry matter, crude ash, crude fat, crude fibre, sugar |
Describes the basic chemical composition of the feed and provides a foundation for further nutritional evaluation |
| Digestibility and feed value | organic matter digestibility (OMD), feed value, cell wall fractions (NDF, ADF, ADL, NDF digestibility) |
Indicates how efficiently animals can convert feed into energy and nutrients; key for energy estimation and ration formulation |
| Protein quality | crude protein, soluble crude protein, lysine (calculated), methionine (calculated) |
reflects protein quantity and quality, showing both total nitrogen and the proportion available for digestion and metabolism |
| Minerals and element ratios | minerals, nitrogen-to-sulphur ratio | assesses mineral balance and the presence of essential elements for growth, health and production |
| Reference and benchmark values | target values and averages | provides benchmarks to compare results against expected or optimal feed quality |
Notes: