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Near Infrared Spectrophotometry (NIR) or chemical analysis of the forage is the most reliable way to evaluate forage quality. The NIR is best used to determine crude protein, ADF, NDF, Ca, P, Mg, K, TDN, energy, RFV and moisture on the following feed/forages: hay, haylage, corn silage, small grain silage, corn grain, wheat grain, soybean meal, oats.
Wet chemistry will be run on the all other types of feeds and forages, specifically mixed grain feeds and commercial feeds. We recommend using wet chemistry for quality assurance purposes.
The NIR is a cheap and accurate way to determine the nutrients found in forage and some feeds. This method is very good in determining the crude protein, fibers, and minerals in hay, haylage, small grain and corn silages. However, this method is not to be used to determine any of these levels in mixed feeds or high mineral mixes or commercial feeds. Run wet chemistry on these items.
Wet chemistry is the most accurate method for determining nutrient values of feed/forage. It is, however, the most expensive. We recommend this type of testing for quality assurance purposes and for mixed and commercial feeds.
How to Sample
Unacceptable samples include samples taken from one area or one grab. This is not indicative of the lot or silo. This will not be enough tissue for the required analysis. The test results are only as good as the sample.
Where to Sample
The key to all sampling is to gather cores or grabs from several different areas for a composite. Sample different cuttings (lots) separately unless the different cuttings are being fed at the same time.
Take hay samples with a corer. For each composite sample, take at least 12 cores of hay from random bales or areas. Sample silages with "grabs" at different times during loading and unloading.
When to Sample
Sample the forage as it is being stored.
Submitting the Sample
Place a good representative sample from the composite into a large plastic freezer bag or other large sealable plastic bag and send to the lab as soon as possible. If the sample cannot be sent in a timely fashion, store the sample in a cool place and then send it in as soon as possible. Please include information that contains: name, address, telephone number, field names, number of samples per field and the type of test (NIR, Test C, Test D etc.).
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