How Do You Do A Hay Analysis?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Using a hay corer,

collect samples

from 10-20% of the bales in a single load. Do not combine loads of hay, even if they are different cuttings from the same field, or the same cutting from different years. Once a sample is collected and placed in a labeled bag, the sample is shipped off to a laboratory for analysis.

What is a good hay analysis for horses?

A basic hay analysis costs about $20. Optimum horse hay moisture ranges from 10 to 15 percent.

ADF values under 45 percent

are generally good for horses. NDF values under 65 percent are generally good for horses.

How do you get hay analyzed?

Using a

hay corer

, collect samples from 10-20% of the bales in a single load. Do not combine loads of hay, even if they are different cuttings from the same field, or the same cutting from different years. Once a sample is collected and placed in a labeled bag, the sample is shipped off to a laboratory for analysis.

How do you test a hay sample?

The best technique for sampling baled hay is to

use a mechanical coring probe

. The serrated edge of the probe is placed on the side of a hay bale that is most resistant to puncture. This is usually the round side of a round hay bale or the small end of a square bale. A sample is obtained by drilling with a brace.

What is a good hay analysis for cattle?

Low-quality hay is generally

45 to 52% TDN

. Mid-quality hay is generally 52% to 58% TDN, and high-quality hay is greater than or equal to 58% TDN. A dry cow requires a minimum of 48% TDN, and a lactating cow needs a diet that is at least 60% TDN per day.

What is a good hay analysis?

A basic hay analysis costs about $20. Optimum horse hay moisture ranges from 10 to 15 percent.

ADF values under 45 percent

are generally good for horses. NDF values under 65 percent are generally good for horses.

How can you tell the quality of hay?

Good quality hay should be

bright green in color with little fading

. A bleached, yellow, brown or black color may indicate aged hay, mold or poor storage conditions. Storage condition and age have a significant effect on vitamin content of hays.

How do you collect hay samples?

  1. Select random bales throughout the lot you wish to sample.
  2. Obtain a sample from as far inside the bale as possible.A. …
  3. Place sample from bale into a 5-gallon bucket.
  4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 until you have at least 10 samples from 10% of the bales in the lot you are testing.

How do you take a hay sample without a probe?

  1. Select random bales throughout the lot you wish to sample.
  2. Obtain a sample from as far inside the bale as possible.A. …
  3. Place sample from bale into a 5-gallon bucket.
  4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 until you have at least 10 samples from 10% of the bales in the lot you are testing.

How do you calculate hay for cattle?

Determine the number of bales of hay that each cow needs

by dividing the cow’s yearly need by the adjusted weight of each bale

. For a cow needing 8,190 pounds of hay per year and a bale weight of 960 pounds, divide 8,190 by 960 for a yearly need of about 8.5 bales per cow.

What is the best hay for cows?


Timothy hay

is recommended by many experts due to its ease on various animal’s digestive system as well as promotion of bowel regularity. Additionally, there have been scientific studies done that show Timothy hay is an ideal feed for pregnant or lactating cows.

What is a good Rfv for grass hay?

Grasses typically have higher ADF and NDF concentrations and consequently have lower RFV. For instance a grass or mixed hay having 35% ADF and 50% NDF would have an RFV = (61.6 * 2.4)/1.29 =

115

.

What is ADF and NDF?


Neutral Detergent Fiber

(NDF): Structural components of the plant, specifically cell wall. … Acid Detergent Fiber (ADF): The least digestible plant components, including cellulose and lignin. ADF values are inversely related to digestibility, so forages with low ADF concentrations are ususally higher in energy.

How do you test sugar for hay?

The two most common methods for measuring the sugar content of hay and pasture are

the ethanol soluble carbohydrate (ESC) and the water soluble carbohydrate (WSC) methods

.

What does Rfv mean in hay?


Relative Feed Value

(RFV)

Diane Mitchell
Author
Diane Mitchell
Diane Mitchell is an animal lover and trainer with over 15 years of experience working with a variety of animals, including dogs, cats, birds, and horses. She has worked with leading animal welfare organizations. Diane is passionate about promoting responsible pet ownership and educating pet owners on the best practices for training and caring for their furry friends.