Dry matter is a crucial concept in the world of agriculture and animal nutrition. It refers to the portion of a feed or plant that remains after all the water has been removed. Understanding dry matter and how to calculate it is essential for farmers and animal nutritionists to ensure the proper feeding and health of their livestock. In this article, we'll take an in-depth look at the dry matter, its calculation, and its importance.

Dry matter is the portion of a feed or plant that remains after all the water has been removed. It's expressed as a percentage of the original weight. For example, if a feed or plant weighs 100 grams and 20 grams of water are removed, the dry matter content is 80%.

The calculation of dry matter is a simple process that involves weighing the feed or plant before and after drying. Here are the steps to follow:

Weigh the feed or plant sample before drying and record the weight.
Dry the sample in an oven at a temperature between 100°C to 105°C until it reaches a constant weight.
Weigh the dried sample and record the weight.
Calculate the dry matter content using the following formula:
Dry matter content (%) = (Dry weight / Original weight) x 100

Knowing the dry matter content of a feed or plant is essential for farmers and animal nutritionists. It allows them to determine the actual nutrient content of the feed, as water can dilute the nutrient levels. For example, if a feed has a dry matter content of 80%, it means that 20% of the weight is water, and the remaining 80% is the actual nutrient content.

Dry matter content also affects the digestibility and intake of feed. Animals will consume less water-diluted feed than concentrated feed, which can affect their overall nutrient intake. Therefore, it's important to balance the dry matter content of feed to ensure optimal intake and nutrition.

In conclusion, dry matter is an essential concept in the world of agriculture and animal nutrition. It refers to the portion of a feed or plant that remains after all the water has been removed. Calculating the dry matter content is a simple process that can provide valuable information about the nutrient content and intake of feed. By understanding dry matter, farmers and animal nutritionists can ensure the proper feeding and health of their livestock.