Over the next few hours…. Overview of forage quality Obtaining a representative forage sample Basic description of forage quality terminology Forage analysis methods and instrumentation

Over the next few hours…. Reading a forage quality analysis Using and marketing RFQ Factors that affect forage quality Dealing with problem samples Using hay contests to promote forage quality

The least used and least understood element of a good forage management plan.

Recognize the Differences in Animal Types Ruminant Digestive SystemEquine Digestive System Usual Objectives: Weight Gain Milk Production Fleece Production Usual Objectives: Weight Gain Milk Production Fleece Production Usual Objectives: Maintenance Light to Intensive Work Weight Gain

Forage Quality has High Value Now CropMaturityCPTDNSupplement † Cost ‡ -- % -- lbs/hd/day$/hd/day Bermudagrass4 weeks $0 6 weeks $ weeks $1.16 Tall FescueLate boot $0 Early head $0 Dough $0.82 † Assuming 50:50 corn gluten:soy hulls supplementation for forage quality on low end of the range. ‡ Approximate prices for Aug ($310/ton). Supplementing a Lactating Beef Cow

Get a Grip on Your Hay’s Value

What is the value of forage quality? $65/1000 lb roll 51% TDN $70/1000 lb roll 58% TDN A) B) Scenario: Dry Cows Bale A cost:  No supplement; $70/bale Bale B cost:  56 lbs of supplement/1000 lb bale  $8.68 supp. + $65 = $73.68  + labor

What is the value of forage quality? $65/1000 lb roll 51% TDN $70/1000 lb roll 58% TDN A) B) Scenario: Lact. Cows Bale A cost:  No supplement; $70/bale Bale B cost:  180 lbs of supplement/1000 lb bale  $27.90 supp. + $65 = $92.90  + labor In this case, the feeding of one bale paid for the forage test.

Cheap hay is EXPENSIVE! $65/1000 lb roll 51% TDN $70/1000 lb roll 58% TDN A) B)

Tools For Taking a Forage Sample “Penn State Probe”

Tools For Taking a Forage Sample “Colorado Hay Probe”

How To Take a Forage Sample Sample from each field AND cutting (“Lot” of hay). Use bale corer to get a representative sample from 20 bales per lot. Insert the sampler fully and cross- ways to the stems. Sample from each field AND cutting (“Lot” of hay). Use bale corer to get a representative sample from 20 bales per lot. Insert the sampler fully and cross- ways to the stems.

Taking a Forage Sample Do not take a grab sample!

Cut Across Windrows Sampling across 1-2 locations

Cut Across Windrows

Taking a Forage Sample

“Colorado Hay Probe”

Taking a Forage Sample

How To Take a Forage Sample Fill a clean quart-size plastic bag with about ½ lb of forage. Label each bag with details. Send to an accredited lab (National Forage Testing Association), such as the UGA Feed and Environmental Water Lab. For details, see the FAQ page on Fill a clean quart-size plastic bag with about ½ lb of forage. Label each bag with details. Send to an accredited lab (National Forage Testing Association), such as the UGA Feed and Environmental Water Lab. For details, see the FAQ page on