Nutrition
Taking a Good Forage Sample
By Ray Hicks, University of Georgia Extension
Forages are the basis of most of our livestock
enterprises. Moreover, the nutritional make up of that
forage should be the foundation of a balanced diet for
our livestock but many times this is took for granted.
Many factors (e.g. variety, maturity, growing conditions,
handling practices, etc.) affect forage quality prior to
the time it is fed. As a result, predicting forage quality
values from standard books often grossly overestimates
or underestimates feeding value. A better way to
determine feeding value is to have a representative
forage sample tested by a laboratory that uses
proven and accepted methods of forage analysis.
It is strongly suggested that you choose a National
Forage Testing Association Certified Lab.
Equipment required for collecting forage samples
include a forage probe, a mixing bucket, and sample
bags. The two most common types of hay probes are
the Penn State or the Colorado. The Penn State probe
will require a brace and bit or an electric drill to use.
Both probes collect a good sample and are superior
to a grab-sample. Most Extension offices have a probe
that you can borrow. Forage should be sampled as
near to the time of feeding or sale as possible.
The most important step in obtaining a meaningful analysis
is to collect a representative forage sample. Extreme
variation may occur in hay quality even when harvested
from the same field. As a result, a separate forage sample
should be tested for each hay “lot.” A “lot” refers to a quantity
of similar forage. Each cutting should be sampled and
marked in storage area where you know which is which.
For round bales and baleage select a minimum of 10 – 20
representative bales and collect two cores from the round
side of each. Combine the cores in a bucket and mix well.
Large round bales should be sampled to the center using
a long probe or one with an extension adapter. Angle the
probe in an upward direction to reduce the potential for
water entering the core holes. In baleage, reseal core hole
with tape made for sealing agricultural plastic to prevent
spoilage. Regular duct tape is not sufficient and will
deteriorate quickly in environmental conditions. For small
square bales, select 20 bales and sample from the end at a
straight inward line. Place the sample to be tested in plastic
zip lock bag and label before taking to Extension office. Bags
should be labeled with your name, lot name, date harvested,
and species of grass. For more detailed information on
collecting a forage sample go to www.foragetesting.org.
When the results come back get with your Extension
agent and go over it. They can help you tailor which
lot to feed to each class of animal. The cost of the
sample is money well spent in balancing your feed
needs and will save you money in the end. I
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