Understanding the Results
Dry Matter (DM): Indicates how much actual feed remains after water is removed. Essential for balancing rations and preventing spoilage.
Crude Protein (CP): Estimates protein content but can include non-protein nitrogen (like nitrates). Heat-damaged hay may show inflated CP, so some labs also report available CP.
ADF and NDF: Fiber values that affect digestibility and intake. High ADF means lower energy; high NDF limits how much cattle will eat.
Energy (TDN, NE): Energy values calculated from fiber. As ADF increases, energy drops. Meeting cows’ energy needs is often the biggest feeding challenge.
Ash and Minerals: High ash often means dirt contamination, which dilutes feed value. Mineral panels can flag shortages or imbalances that may require supplementation.
Indexes (RFV, RFQ): Useful shorthand for comparing hay quality, though best applied only within similar forage types.
Putting Results to Work
The real value of forage testing comes when you compare lab results to your cattle’s requirements. For example, if a cow needs 1.4 pounds of protein daily but your hay only provides 0.9 pounds, you know to add a protein supplement. Conversely, if your hay is richer than expected, you can save money by cutting back on purchased feed. Matching different forages to the right class of cattle is also smart management. Reserve your highest quality hay for lactating or growing animals, while dry mature cows might be able to get by on lower-quality forage.
Avoiding Common Mistakes
The biggest pitfalls are poor sampling (too few cores or mixing lots), mislabeling bags, and misreading results (confusing “as-fed” with “dry matter” values). Don’t rely only on RFV or CP without considering energy, fiber, and minerals. And always ship samples quickly to avoid spoilage.
The Bottom Line
Good sampling and testing take a little time but can help improve operation efficiency. By knowing exactly what nutrients your forage provides, you can fine-tune rations, avoid toxicity risks, and stretch your feed dollars further. Forage analysis is a simple but powerful tool to boost both cattle performance and your bottom line.
(Feed sampling continued)
Sorghum ergot has been detected in Kansas
In the past week, sorghum ergot has been detected in several locations in KS. primarily in forage sorghum fields, but also in grain sorghum. This is a relatively rare event, with notable prior occurrences in 1997 and 2017. Sorghum ergot in the U.S. is caused by the fungus Claviceps africana. Claviceps africana has been reported in Australia, Central America, North America, South America, and South Africa. Sorghum ergot is not the same pathogen that causes ergot in wheat (Claviceps purpurea). To learn more about sorghum ergot:
https://eupdate.agronomy.ksu.edu/article/sorghum-ergot-has-been-detected-in-kansas-666-5