Test, Don’t Guess: Sampling and Testing Hay

By Aaron Berger

Accurately sampling and testing hay is the only way to get a real understanding of the nutritive value of feed. Using values from previous years or a “book value” can be costly since a producer may incorrectly develop a ration using values that aren’t representative.

Guidelines for samplingWhen sampling hay, getting a representative sample is a critical first step. Samples must accurately represent the entire lot of hay. The UNL NebGuide “Sampling Feeds for Analyses" (PDF version, 655KB) states that a “lot” of hay should be harvested from the same field consisting of similar types of plants, cutting dates, maturity, variety, weed contamination, type of harvest equipment, curing methods and storage conditions.

Hay samples should be taken using a hay probe or a core sampler. The hay probe should penetrate at least 12-18 inches into the bale and have an internal diameter of at least 3/8 of an inch. Avoid getting hay probes hot when using a drill to drive the probe into the bale since friction from high speeds can heat the probe to a point where it damages the hay sample. To get a representative hay sample from a “lot” of hay, select 15-20 bales in the lot. Once all of the samples for a “lot” have been collected, the samples may need to be sub-sampled to get the feed down to a size that can be sent in for analysis. The UNL NebGuide “Sampling Feeds for Analyses” walks through a step-by-step process to do this.

Once hay samples have been taken, store in a plastic sealed bag in a cool, dry place until the sample is ready to be submitted. Samples that contain over 15 percent moisture should be frozen. Most commercial labs provide an information submittal form that allows producers to select a standard feed test for forages.

Analyze for moisture, protein, and energy

Cattle feeds should be analyzed for moisture, protein, and energy. Producers may also want to have forages tested for key minerals. When developing a ration for cattle or comparing feeds to one another, always utilize the nutrient analysis on a dry-matter basis. After formulating a ration on a dry-matter basis, the values can then be converted to an as-is basis using the moisture content of the feed to determine the actual amount of feed that should be fed to the cattle on an as-is basis.

Analyze forages for nitrates

In addition to moisture, protein, and energy, annual forages harvested for hay, such as foxtail millet, oats, sudan grass, and sorghum-sudan hybrids, should be analyzed for nitrates. The only way to know if high levels of nitrate accumulation have occurred is to test for it. See the UNL NebGuide “Nitrates in Livestock Feeding” (PDF version, 319KB) for additional information.

Conclusion

Accurately testing hay takes time and money. However, the value of this information is critical in accurately and cost-effectively formulating rations. Don’t let the small investment of time and money discourage you. It may be some of the best time and money you can invest in your operation.