Documentation Forms for Organic Livestock Producers March 2011 Optional form, not mandated by regulations Page L1

Documentation Forms for Organic Livestock Producers

Livestock List 

Documentation should be available for inspection to support the information recorded by producers, including the following, 

as applicable: receipts for purchased livestock (dates, sources, age of livestock); organic certifi cates (current copy) for all

livestock purchased as certifi ed organic; and management records (feed production/purchase and health care) showing 

start (conversion) or continuance of organic management of animals for which certifi cation is requested.

Type and Class of 

Livestock (life stage and 

purpose: breeder stock, 

slaughter stock, or 

production animals— 

milk, eggs, fi ber, etc.)

Species and 

Breed

Animal

Identifi cation/

Number of 

Animals

Age and Source: 

On-farm or 

Purchase Source

Birth or 

Hatch Date

Starting Date 

of Organic 

Management

Use this form to list all livestock—individual animals or fl ocks—currently in your operation for which organic certifi cation is

sought. A list of all livestock should be part of your Organic System Plan (OSP), which must be updated when changes are 

made or at least annually. 
Documentation Forms for Organic Livestock Producers March 2011 Optional form, not mandated by regulations Page L2

Documentation Forms for Organic Livestock Producers

Date(s) Feed(s) Total Fed/Animal/Day

Livestock Feeding Record 

Use this form to record actual feed rations fed on each date to each type and class of ruminant or non-ruminant livestock 

throughout the year. (Feeding records are useful for feed audits for all types of livestock. In the case of ruminant livestock,

records of actual feed rations fed during the grazing season will assist in calculating ruminants’ Dry Matter Intake from pasture.)

Circle One: Ruminant Non-ruminant Livestock

Type and Class of Livestock: Number of Animals: Year:

Documentation should be available for inspection to support the information recorded by producers, including the 

following, as applicable: feed-production/feed-storage records; purchase invoices (bills of lading, weigh tags, etc); 

organic certifi cates (current copy) for all purchased feed; and labels of feed additives and feed supplements. 
Documentation Forms for Organic Livestock Producers March 2011 Optional form, not mandated by regulations Page L3

Documentation Forms for Organic Livestock Producers

Livestock Additive and Supplement Use Record 

Use this form to record actual feed additives and supplements provided to each type and class of livestock whether they 

are added to feed, free choice, or administered in some other manner.

Date(s) Feed Additive or Supplement Delivery Method/Total Fed
Documentation Forms for Organic Livestock Producers March 2011 Optional form, not mandated by regulations Page L4

Documentation Forms for Organic Livestock Producers

Grazing Days/ Grazing Season Record Use this form to record the days livestock graze on pasture each month and to total the number of days in the grazing season (establish the frequency and total length of each grazing season). Operation/Location Livestock Type Year Jan 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 Feb 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 Mar 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

Apr 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

May 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

Jun 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

Jul 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

Aug 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

Sept 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

Oct 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

Nov 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

Dec 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31
Documentation Forms for Organic Livestock Producers March 2011 Optional form, not mandated by regulations Page L5

Documentation Forms for Organic Livestock Producers

Pasture Rotation/Grazing Schedule/Animal Movement Record

Use this form to track the movement of animals and pastures grazed.

Ranch/Location Pasture/Paddock # Head Livestock Type/Class Begin Date End Date
Documentation Forms for Organic Livestock Producers March 2011 Optional form, not mandated by regulations Page L6

Documentation Forms for Organic Livestock Producers

Use this form to describe your methods for estimating Dry Matter Demand (DMD) and to summarize your calculations of 

Dry Matter Intake (DMI) percentages during the grazing season for each class of livestock. 

Source of information used for DMD estimates (table or body-weight-percentage calculation): ______________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

Source of dry matter content of feeds (actual feed test results or specify chart of average dry matter content):

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

Use this table to summarize your calculations of DMI from pasture or forage grazed during the grazing season for each class 

of livestock you manage. 

Class of Ruminants 

(Please specify the 

breed if you raise 

multiple breeds.)

Number of Days in the 

Grazing Season (from 

grazing and feeding 

records) Must be >120 

to be in compliance.

Grazing Season Average Percentage of DMI from Pasture/

Grazing (Calculations must be available for inspection.) 

Percentage of DMI from grazing must be > 30% to be

in compliance.

Young Stock over 6 

Months of Age (calves, 

lambs, kids)

Average 

Weight lbs. 

per animal

DMD 

lbs./day

DM from 

feed fed

% DMI from 

Grazing

Slaughter Stock

Young Stock / Heifers

Bred Heifers

Lactating Animals

Dry Animals

Other (specify):

Dry Matter Grazed = Dry Matter Demand - Dry Matter Fed (non-pasture feedstuff s)

% DM Fed + % DM Grazed = 100

Ruminant Dry Matter Intake (DMI)

Calculation Methods Description and Summary of DMI Calculations from Feed and Grazing for All 

Ruminant LIvestock in the Opration
Documentation Forms for Organic Livestock Producers March 2011 Optional form, not mandated by regulations Page L7

Documentation Forms for Organic Livestock Producers

Use Worksheets A and B to estimate the Dry Matter Demand and calculate the Dry Matter Intake of ruminants. If there is just one

type of feed ration during the grazing season, one Worksheet A will suffi ce. If rations change during the grazing season, use Worksheets A and B in sequence to calculate average DMI from pasture during the grazing season for each type and class of animal. 

Grazing Season/Ration Period Dry Matter Intake Calculation Worksheet A (Example): 

DMI from Nonpasture Feed Sources and from Grazing During Each Ration Period 

Use this form to document Dry Matter Intake (DMI) during the grazing season. Use separate worksheets for each type and 

class of livestock. Complete one Worksheet A for each distinct grazing/ration period (each time the feed ration changes 

during the grazing season). Then use Worksheet B to calculate the average DMI from pasture over the entire grazing season.

Please note: While these worksheets provide one way to document your compliance with organic standards, they are not 

required forms; you may provide another method for calculating DMD and DMI.

A blank Worksheet A is available on the next page.

Operation Name 

Example

Date and Year 

January 1, 2011

Ration Name/Type 

Early lactation corn, hay, pasture

Livestock Type (species, breed, average weight) 

Early-lactating Holstein cows, 1200 lbs.

Time Period This Ration Is Fed (during grazing season ONLY)

Season:  Winter  Spring  Summer  Fall 

Number of Days: 30

Class of Animal

 Calf/Lamb/Kid  Heifer/Young Stock

 Lactating  Dry

 Breeding  Slaughter

 Other (specify):

Number of Animals:

30

Dry Matter Demand (in lbs.): 

34 lbs/day

Source of DMD Values:

NOP Dairy tables for large-breed milk cows

Source of Feed Dry Matter Values:

NRC Nutrient Required for Dairy Cattle

Feed Type 

(list all other than pasture)

Average Weight Fed (per 

animal per day in lbs.) × Dry Matter Content of 

Feed Source as % = DMI Fed (in lbs.)

Corn 18 × .89 = 16.02

Hay 15 × .90 = 13.50

× =

Total DMI Fed from Non-pasture (sum of DMI lbs. of each type) 29.52

Dry Matter 

Demand (lbs.) - Total DM fed = DMI from 

pasture

÷ Dry Matter 

Demand = DMI 

ratio × 100 = % DMI from 

pasture

34 - 29.52 = 4.48 ÷ 34 = .13 × 100 = 13%

Dry Matter Demand: The DMD for a given type and class of animals will likely change during the course of the grazing 

season because animals grow, and milk production changes over time. Each calculation should use a DMD value based on 

your best estimate of average weight/productivity during each ration period.

Dry Matter Content: Feed sources may vary in moisture contents, especially fresh and ensiled feeds. Please provide the 

source and accuracy of each material’s dry matter content and explain any signifi cant variation from reference values. 

Dry Matter Intake (DMI) Calculation Worksheet for Ruminants
Documentation Forms for Organic Livestock Producers March 2011 Optional form, not mandated by regulations Page L8

Documentation Forms for Organic Livestock Producers

Dry Matter Intake (DMI) Calculation Worksheet for Ruminants

Grazing Season/Ration Period Dry Matter Intake Calculation Worksheet A 

DMI from Nonpasture Feed Sources and from Grazing During Each Ration Period

Use this form to document Dry Matter Intake (DMI) during the grazing season. Use separate worksheets for each type and 

class of livestock. Complete one Worksheet A for each distinct grazing/ration period (each time the feed ration changes during 

the grazing season). Then use Worksheet B to calculate the average DMI from pasture over the entire grazing season.

Please note: While these worksheets provide one way to document your compliance with organic standards, they are not 

required forms; you may provide another method for calculating DMD and DMI.

Operation Name Date and Year 

Ration Name/Type Livestock Type (species, breed, average weight) 

Time Period This Ration Is Fed (during grazing season ONLY)

Season:  Winter  Spring  Summer  Fall 

Number of Days: 

Class of Animal

 Calf/Lamb/Kid  Heifer/Young Stock

 Lactating  Dry

 Breeding  Slaughter

 Other (specify):

Number of Animals: Dry Matter Demand (in lbs.): Source of DMD Values:

Source of Feed Dry Matter Values:

Feed Type 

(list all other than pasture)

Average Weight Fed (per 

animal per day in lbs.)

× Dry Matter Content of 

Feed Source as %

= DMI Fed (in lbs.)

× =

× =

× =

× =

Total DMI Fed from Non-pasture (sum of DMI lbs. of each type)

Dry Matter 

Demand (lbs.) - Total DM fed = DMI from 

pasture

÷ Dry Matter 

Demand = DMI 

ratio × 100 = % DMI from 

pasture

- = ÷ = × 100 =

Dry Matter Demand: The DMD for a given type and class of animals will likely change during the course of the grazing 

season because animals grow, and milk production changes over time. Each calculation should use a DMD value based on 

your best estimate of average weight/productivity during each ration period.

Dry Matter Content: Feed sources may vary in moisture contents, especially fresh and ensiled feeds. Please provide the 

source and accuracy of each material’s dry matter content and explain any signifi cant variation from reference values. 
Documentation Forms for Organic Livestock Producers March 2011 Optional form, not mandated by regulations Page L9

Documentation Forms for Organic Livestock Producers

Dry Matter Intake (DMI) Calculation Worksheet for Ruminants

Grazing Season Dry Matter Intake (DMI) Calculation for Ruminant Livestock Worksheet B (Example):

Calculating the Average DMI from Pasture for the Grazing Season

Use this form to calculate the average DMI from grazing for each type and class of animal over the entire grazing season. 

Use all completed copies of Grazing Season/Ration Period DMI Calculation Worksheet A for a type and class of animal to 

provide input into this worksheet. Please note: While these worksheets provide one way to document your compliance 

with organic standards, they are not required forms; you may provide another method for calculating DMD and DMI.

A blank Worksheet B is available on the next page.

Operation Name/Year 

Example

Class of Animal 

 Calf/Lamb/Kid  Heifer/Young Stock

 Lactating  Dry

 Breeding  Slaughter

 Other (specify):

Total # Days in Grazing Season (from table below = total # 

of days fed during the grazing season) 

170

# Animals in Group

30

Using your completed copies of Worksheet A, enter the ration dates, number of days fed, and % DMI from pasture for 

each distinct feed ration period during the grazing season in the table below. To calculate the weighted average DMI from 

pasture for the entire grazing season, multiply the % DMI for each grazing/ration period by the number of days in that 

period, then divide the sum of those numbers by the total number of days in the grazing season (all grazing/ration periods), 

and multiply by 100 to convert this number to a percentage. 

Ration Name/Type/ID Dates Fed # of Days 

Fed × Daily DMI from Pasture (from DMI worksheet) = DMI from Pasture during period

Spring transition April 10 –

May 10 30 × .13 = 3.9

Summer grazing May 11 – 

Sept 30 110 × .70 = 77

Fall grazing Oct 1 – Nov 30 × .25 = 7.5

× =

Totals 170 88.4

Total DMI from Pasture ÷ Total Days in Grazing Season 

(× 100 to convert to percent) = Grazing Season Average 

% DMI

88.4 ÷ 170 (×100) = 52%

Note: The spring transition number above is from the example Worksheet A. The summer and fall grazing/ration period 

examples above are assumed. These calculations would be documented on two additional copies of Worksheet A. 

Producers need to complete a separate Worksheet A for each distinct ration period (each time rations change) during 

the grazing season in order to calculate the DMI from pasture to input into this worksheet. These are only examples. 

Individual farms will likely have diff erent grazing season /ration periods depending on feeds fed and pasture availability.
Documentation Forms for Organic Livestock Producers March 2011 Optional form, not mandated by regulations Page L10

Documentation Forms for Organic Livestock Producers

Dry Matter Intake (DMI) Calculation Worksheet for Ruminants

Grazing Season Dry Matter Intake (DMI) Calculation for Ruminant Livestock Worksheet B

Calculating the Average DMI from Pasture for the Grazing Season

Use this form to calculate the average DMI from grazing for each type and class of animal over the entire grazing season. 

Use all completed copies of Grazing Season/Ration Period DMI Calculation Worksheet A for a type and class of animal to 

provide input into this worksheet. Please note: While these worksheets provide one way to document your compliance 

with organic standards, they are not required forms; you may provide another method for calculating DMD and DMI.

Operation Name/Year Class of Animal 

 Calf/Lamb/Kid  Heifer/Young Stock

 Lactating  Dry

 Breeding  Slaughter

 Other (specify):

Total # Days in Grazing Season (from table below = total # 

of days fed during the grazing season) 

# Animals in Group

Using your completed copies of Worksheet A, enter the ration dates, number of days fed, and % DMI from pasture for 

each distinct feed ration period during the grazing season in the table below. To calculate the weighted average DMI from 

pasture for the entire grazing season, multiply the % DMI for each grazing/ration period by the number of days in that 

period, then divide the sum of those numbers by the total number of days in the grazing season (all grazing/ration periods), 

and multiply by 100 to convert this number to a percentage. 

Ration Name/Type/ID Dates Fed # of Days 

Fed × Daily DMI from Pasture (from DMI worksheet) = DMI from Pasture during period

×.=

× =

× =

× =

× =

Totals .

Total DMI from Pasture ÷ Total Days in Grazing Season

(× 100 to convert to percent) = Grazing Season Average 

% DMI

÷ =
Documentation Forms for Organic Livestock Producers March 2011 Optional form, not mandated by regulations Page L11

Documentation Forms for Organic Livestock Producers

Livestock Health Record—Individual Animal

Use this form to record individual animal management, as applicable: preventative health care practices, administration of 

vaccinations, medications and parasiticides, physical alterations, location, breeding, reproduction, medications, parasiticides, 

sale, and culling/mortality. 

Animal/Herd/Flock ID

Date of Birth Maternity (Dam) Paternity (Sire)

Date of Purchase Source, Age, and Other Information

Date of Sale Buyer Sold as Organic? Y/N

Date of Death Cause of Death

Vaccinations and Veterinary Biologics

Date(s) Material(s)

Physical Alterations (castration, branding, ear notching, etc.)

Date(s) Procedure(s)

Medications/Remedies/Supplements

Date(s) Administered Product(s) (including parasiticides) Reason for Use

Breeding and Reproduction

Date(s) Breeding Info. 

(natural/AI)

Pregnancy Checks Birthing (freshening) Off spring ID
Documentation Forms for Organic Livestock Producers March 2011 Optional form, not mandated by regulations Page L12

Documentation Forms for Organic Livestock Producers

Livestock Health Record—Poultry Flock

Use this form to record poultry fl ock management (for animals that are managed consistently and uniformly as a group): 

preventative health care practices, administration of vaccinations and medications, physical alterations, location, 

reproduction, medications, sales, and culling/mortality.

Flock ID/Location

Hatch Date Number Purchased Date of Purchase/Delivery

Source 

Layers

Date Egg Laying Began

Meat Birds

Date of Harvest of Meat Birds

Date of Sale Buyer Sold as Organic? Y/N

Vaccinations and Veterinary Biologics

Date/By Whom? (hatchery or farm) Material(s) Administered 

Physical Alterations (castration, beak trimming, spur removal, etc.)

Date(s) Procedure(s)

Medications/Remedies/Supplements

Date(s) Product(s) Reason for Use

Culling/Mortality Incidents

Date(s) Explanation
Documentation Forms for Organic Livestock Producers March 2011 Optional form, not mandated by regulations Page L13

Documentation Forms for Organic Livestock Producers

Livestock Materials List

Use this form to list the specifi c materials you keep (inventory or accessible for use) for the care of organic animals and their 

environment. A list of materials used or planned for use should be part of your Organic System Plan (OSP), which must be 

updated when changes are made or at least annually.

Type of Material (e.g., vaccine, 

biologic, disinfectant, sanitizer, 

topical medication, teat dip, 

anesthetic, parasiticide, or 

homeopathic remedy; cleanser or 

structural pest-control materials)

Brand Name and 

Manufacturer

Disease or Health Problem to be Prevented or 

Treated/In What Type and 

Class of Livestock

Compliance Records Kept 

(dates and circumstances 

of use if material is 

annotated or restricted)*

* Documentation should be available for inspection to support the information recorded by producers, including the following, 

as applicable: purchase receipts, labels for all inputs, and veterinary records. If prohibited materials are used to restore an animal to 

health (e.g., antibiotics use that results in the loss of organic status), records show how treated animals are identifi ed and segregated.
Documentation Forms for Organic Livestock Producers March 2011 Optional form, not mandated by regulations Page L14

Documentation Forms for Organic Livestock Producers

Non-Ruminants: Temporary Confi nement/Outdoor Access Restriction Record

Use this form to describe the circumstances and reasons for actual temporary confi nement of animals. Indicate which 

animals are confi ned and the duration and place of confi nement.

Date(s) and Length of 

Time

Animals (type/class or specifi c 

animal ID)

Location and Reason/Circumstances of 

Temporary Confi nement

NOP § 205.239(b)(1-8) and include: 1. Inclement weather (that could cause hardship to livestock); 2. Stage of life (describe); 

3. Animal health, safety, or well-being; 4. Protection against risk to soil or water quality; 5. Preventive health care or 

treatment of illness or injury (describe specifi cs); 6. Sorting, shipping, or sales; 7. Breeding; and 8. Youth Projects.
Documentation Forms for Organic Livestock Producers March 2011 Optional form, not mandated by regulations Page L15

Documentation Forms for Organic Livestock Producers

Ruminants: Temporary Confi nement/Outdoor Access and/or Pasture Grazing Restriction Record

Use this form to record and describe the circumstances and reasons for temporary confi nement of animals and/or the 

circumstances and reasons when ruminant animals are denied access to the outdoors and/or ability to graze. Indicate 

which animals are confi ned and the duration and place of confi nement.

Circle One: Ruminant Non-ruminant Livestock

Date(s) and Length of 

Time

Animals (type/class or specifi c 

animal ID)

Location and Reason/Circumstances of 

Temporary Confi nement

Reasons or circumstances under which temporary confi nement may be allowed are described in NOP § 205.239(b)(1-8) 

and include: 1. Inclement weather (that could cause hardship to livestock); 2. Stage of life (describe); 3. Animal health, safety, 

or well-being; 4. Protection against risk to soil or water quality; 5. Preventive health care or treatment of illness or injury

(describe specifi cs); 6. Sorting, shipping, or sales; 7. Breeding; and 8. Youth Projects. 

Additionally, NOP § 205.239(c)(1-4) allow ruminant livestock to be denied access to pasture or outdoors for specifi c time 

frames for dry off , birthing, shearing, or milking: 1. One week off pasture at the end of a lactation for dry off and three weeks 

prior to and one week after birthing; 2. newborn dairy cattle for up to six months, provided comfort provisions are met as 

described; 3. short periods for shearing fi ber animals; 4. daily for milking of dairy animals, provided they do not unduly limit 

grazing. Exceptions for fi nishing slaughter stock also are described in NOP § 205.239(d).
Documentation Forms for Organic Livestock Producers March 2011 Optional form, not mandated by regulations Page L16

Documentation Forms for Organic Livestock Producers

Appendix A: Dry Matter Intake Calculation Resources for Ruminant Livestock Producers

Contents of this Appendix:

Pasture Practice Standard and Ruminant Feed and Grazing Synopsis

Terms Defi ned

Dry Matter Percentages of Common Feeds 

Dry Matter Demand Summary Tables 

Percentage of Body Weight for Ruminants 

Estimated Values for Dairy Cows

Pasture Practice Standard and Ruminant Feed and Grazing Synopsis

NOP Sections 205.237, 239, and 240 require producers of ruminant livestock to provide daily grazing during the grazing 

season. Producers must provide enough quality pasture for organic ruminant livestock to graze throughout the grazing 

season and to consume at least 30% of their Dry Matter Intake, on average, from grazing over the course of the grazing 

season, which must be at least 120 days per year. They must manage pasture resources to support livestock health and to 

protect soil and water quality. 

In addition, producers must maintain records to show that the above requirements have been met. The information that 

must be captured in records includes a description of the total feed ration for each type and class of animal; the percentage of 

each feed type in the total ration—purchased or farm-raised (including pasture) and all feed supplements and additives; the 

amount of each type of feed actually fed to each type and class of animal; any adjustments made to all rations throughout the 

year in response to seasonal grazing changes; and the method for calculating Dry Matter Demand and Dry Matter Intake.

Terms Defi ned

Dry matter. The amount of a feedstuff remaining after all the free moisture is evaporated out—the moisture-free content of 

a feedstuff .

Dry Matter Demand (DMD). The expected Dry Matter Intake for a class of animal.

Dry Matter Intake (DMI). Total pounds of all feed (expressed as dry matter), devoid of all moisture, consumed over a given 

period of time.

Grazing season. The period of time when pasture is available for grazing because of natural precipitation or irrigation. 

Grazing-season dates may vary because of mid-summer heat/humidity, signifi cant precipitation events such as fl oods, 

hurricanes, droughts, or winter weather events. The grazing season may be extended by the grazing of residual forage as 

agreed in the operation’s Organic System Plan. The grazing season may or may not be continuous because of weather, 

season, or climate. The grazing season may range from 120 days to 365 days, but not less than 120 days, per year.

Dry Matter Content of Common Feedstuff s

Feedstuff % dry matter

Hay (sun-cured grass, legume, and mixed) 90%

Grain (corn, small grains, roasted soybeans) 89%

Soybean Meal 88%

High-Moisture Corn 76%

Haylage/Baleage 35–60%

Corn Silage 30–40%

Small Grain Silage 25–35%
Documentation Forms for Organic Livestock Producers March 2011 Optional form, not mandated by regulations Page L17

Documentation Forms for Organic Livestock Producers

Dry Matter Demand

The NOP website provides resources for calculating Dry Matter Demand (DMD) and Dry Matter Intake (DMI), including DMD 

tables for beef, dairy cows, and dairy goats. Organic certifi ers and educational organizations also provide explanations and 

examples of ways to estimate DMD and calculate DMI for diff erent types of ruminant livestock. The table below provides 

a summary of averages and ranges of DMD values published in the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Dry Matter Demand 

Tables and the sources referenced below. Producers may choose DMD references that best fi t the characteristics of each 

type and class of ruminant livestock they manage and describe their methods for calculating DMI. 

All estimates are just that. Many factors infl uence actual DMD in real livestock, including forage quality, weather, animal 

condition, genetics, health, and activity.

Appendix A: Dry Matter Intake Calculation Resources for Ruminant Livestock Producers

Dry Matter Demand by Percentage of Body Weight for Ruminant Groups

Ruminant group % body weight (DMD = % x animal body weight)

Beef cattle, lactating (demand increases with animal size 

and milk production; see DMD Tables for Dairy Cattle)

2.0 – 2.5 **

Beef cattle, growing and fi nishing slaughter stock (demand 

decreases with increasing age / size / weight gain and 

slower growth; see also DMD Tables for Beef Cattle)

2.75 – 3.35 *

Dairy heifers (see DMD Tables for Dairy Cattle) 2.5 *

Dairy cows, dry (small and large breed) 1.8 *

Dairy steers See beef slaughter stock

Goats, weaned, slaughter or replacement stock 2.25 *

Goats, brood or lactating (see DMD Tables for Dairy Goats) 4.0 *

Sheep, weaned, slaughter or replacement stock 3.3 *

Sheep, brood or lactating stock 3.65 *

Sources: (**) NOP tables; (*) Pennsylvania Certifi ed Organic, 2010

References

National Organic Program Dry Matter Demand Tables For Classes of Dairy Cattle. USDA. March 29, 2010. 

http://www.ams.usda.gov/AMSv1.0/getfi le?dDocName=STELPRDC5087124. 202-720-3252 

National Organic Program Dry Matter Demand Tables For Classes of Dairy Goats. USDA. December 1, 2010.

www.ams.usda.gov/AMSv1.0/getfi le?dDocName=STELPRDC5087914&acct=noprulemaking. 202-720-3252 

National Organic Program Dry Matter Demand Tables For Classes of Beef Cattle. USDA. February 12, 2010.

http://www.ams.usda.gov/AMSv1.0/getfi le?dDocName=STELPRDC5087125. 202-720-3252.

Access to Pasture: Guidance for Organic Ruminant Operations. Access to Pasture Rule Guidance Document. 

Pennsylvania Certifi ed Organic. August 1, 2010. www.paorganic.org/pdf/2010/Access%20to%20Pasture%20Rule%20

Guidance%20Document(New).pdf. 814-422-0251

How to Comply with the Pasture Rule on Your Organic Dairy Farm: A 10 Step Summary. Last updated October 20, 2010. 

www.extension.org/article/30340. The summary’s eOrganic authors include the following: Harriet Behar, Midwest Organic 

and Sustainable Education Service (MOSES); Cindy Daley, California State University, Chico; Heather Darby, University 

of Vermont Extension; Sarah Flack, Sarah Flack Consulting; Ed Maltby, Northeast Organic Dairy Producers Alliance; 

Lisa McCrory, Northeast Organic Dairy Producers Alliance

Pasture for Organic Ruminant Livestock: Understanding and Implementing the National Organic Program (NOP) Pasture Rule. 

800-346-9140
 For more information, please contact the USDA National Organic Program:

U.S. Department of Agriculture

Agricultural Marketing Service

National Organic Program

1400 Independence Avenue, SW

Stop 0268, Room 2640-S

Washington, DC 20250-0268

Tel. 202-720-3252

Fax 202-205-7808

www.ams.usda.gov/NOP