DCAD calculator
Enter the mineral analysis of the total ration to calculate dietary cation-anion difference and see how it compares with close-up or lactation targets.
1. Ration mineral analysis
Cow group
Units
The fields are filled with an example close-up ration. Replace them with your own analysis.
Optional: dry matter intake
2. Result
DCAD = (Na + K) − (Cl + S)
–mEq/kg DM
| Mineral | % DM | mEq/kg DM |
|---|---|---|
| Na | – | – |
| K | – | – |
| Cl | – | – |
| S | – | – |
| DCAD | – |
Use the whole ration
Enter the mineral content of the total ration dry matter, including forages, concentrates and any anionic product, not a single feed.
Analyze forages
Potassium and chloride in forages vary widely. Wet chemistry on your own forages gives far more reliable DCAD than book values.
Confirm with urine pH
For close-up Holsteins, a group urine pH of about 5.5–6.0 confirms full acidification. Read the DCAD article →
Targets are general guidance based on Santos et al. (2019) and Iwaniuk & Erdman (2015). This tool is educational and does not replace individual veterinary or nutrition advice.