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UGA Extension offers tips on taking a good forage sample

The UGA College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences recently distributed the following article by Screven County Extension Coordinator Ray Hicks that outlines the importance of sampling and testing forage before feeding to livestock  and how to go about taking the samples.

Forages are the basis of most of our livestock enterprises. Moreover, the nutritional makeup of that forage should be the foundation of a balanced diet for our livestock but many times this is taken 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 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 sample 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 a sealable plastic 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, visit www.foragetesting.org/.

When the results come back get with your Extension agent and go over them. Your agent 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 long run.

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