Calculate dry matter from as-fed feed weight and moisture, convert dry matter to as-fed, or find dry matter percentage from wet and dry sample weights.
Dry Matter Formula
The following formula is used to calculate a dry matter percentage.
- Where DMP is the dry matter percentage
- WW is the total weight while wet
- DW is the total weight while dry
To calculate the dry matter percentage, divide the total dry weight by the total wet weight, then multiply by 100.
Dry Matter Percentage Definition
Dry Matter Percentage refers to the proportion of solids remaining in a substance after all the moisture has been removed. It measures the solid content or the non-water components of a material. This percentage is important as it provides valuable information about the concentration, quality, and nutritional value of various substances, such as animal feed, forage, and agricultural products.
In agriculture, dry matter percentage is significant in determining the nutritional value and suitability of fodder for livestock consumption.
Dry matter removes water from the comparison basis, but a higher dry matter percentage alone does not establish feed quality. Nutrient composition, digestibility, and other feed characteristics also matter.
Dry Matter Example
How to calculate dry matter from sample weights? Select the sample-weights mode.
- First, determine the wet weight.
Measure the wet sample weight, excluding the container.
- Next, evaporate all of the moisture.
Use an appropriate validated drying method to obtain a stable dry weight. Draining liquid is not a dry-matter measurement.
- Next, measure the dry weight.
Measure the dried sample weight, excluding the container.
- Finally, calculate the dry matter.
Calculate the percentage of dry matter using the equation above.
FAQ
How do I convert as-fed mass to dry matter?
Multiply the as-fed mass by the dry matter fraction. A 25 kg batch at 35% dry matter contains 8.75 kg of dry matter.
How is a nutrient percentage converted to a dry-matter basis?
Divide the as-fed nutrient percentage by the dry matter fraction. For example, 8% as-fed nutrient at 35% dry matter is approximately 22.86% on a dry-matter basis. This requires a constituent and moisture measured on the same mass basis.
Can I use a feed preset instead of a measurement?
Presets are illustrative scenarios. Actual moisture varies; use a representative measured value when making feeding decisions. Dry matter alone does not establish a balanced ration.
