relative feed value
An index that estimates the overall quality of the forage for a ruminant. The equation uses acid detergent fiber (ADF) to estimate the digestible dry matter content of the forage; this is then combined with an estimate of dry matter intake, which is an estimate of the amount of forage an animal will eat in a given time period. Relative feed value (RFV) is the most widely used forage quality index in the United States. It is scaled so that full-bloom alfalfa hay would score 100. Typically, hay must score above 150 RFV to be considered ‘dairy quality’ hay.
Authorization Path: 2.5.6.4.26.2