Post on 03-Jan-2016
Forage Analysis For Beef Cattle: Why, How, and So What
Dr. Matt HersomDept. of Animal Sciences
Forage Testing - Why
Matt Hersom, 2008
How can you tell the relative difference between forages?
Is a bale of hay a bale of hay?
Forage Testing - WhyHow can you tell the amount of nutrients present?
Matt Hersom, 2008
Which group of cattle need a particular forage quality?
Requirement Cycles in Beef Cows
January
Matt Hersom, 2008
Forage Testing - Why
• So you know what you are working with!–What is the supply of nutrients–Which nutrients are deficient/excess–How big is the deficiency–What kind of supplementation is needed–Make better decisions
Matt Hersom, 2008
Forage Testing - How
Matt Hersom, 2008
Forage Testing - How
• Take random sample from – Pasture– Hay supply
• How much / many samples
Matt Hersom, 2008
Need for Proper Sampling
Matt Hersom, 2008
Sample Number and Variation
Matt Hersom, 2008
Forage Testing - How
• Get enough sample(s) to be an accurate representation of the forage– Hay• Sample different lots/cuttings• 20-25 cores from each grouping to composite
– Pasture• Sample individual pastures• Multiple random locations
Matt Hersom, 2008
Forage Testing – So What
• Assessment of the concentration of important nutrients– Dry matter– Energy : TDN or NE– Protein : Crude protein, degradable protein– Minerals– Others• Fiber fractions• VFA score• Mycotoxins
Matt Hersom, 2008
Matt Hersom, 2008
Here’s Your Analysis, Now What?
Matt Hersom, 2008
Look at allDry Matter Values
Matt Hersom, 2008
Moisture / Dry Matter
1,100 lb bale in the field = 1,015 lb of DM to feed
Matt Hersom, 2008
Energy Values=TDN
1,100 lb bale = 467 lb TDN
Matt Hersom, 2008
Energy Values=Net EnergyMaintenance (NEm)Gain (NEg)
Matt Hersom, 2008
Protein Values=CP
1,100 lb bale = 92 lb CP
Matt Hersom, 2008
Protein Values=CP
Degradable Intake Protein =DIP
1,100 lb bale = 55 lb of DIP
Matt Hersom, 2008
Mineral Concentration
Matt Hersom, 2008
Everything Else
Forage Testing – So What• What do you do with the numbers?– Use to calculate DM lbs of TDN or CP– Consult Cow Nutrient Requirements• How do they compare
– Determine limiting nutrient(s)– Put into ration balancing software• Formulate diets or intake potential
– Calculate cost of TDN and CP coming from forage• Compare to supplemental sources of TDN and/or CP
– Determine supplementation needsMatt Hersom, 2008
Matt Hersom, 2008
“What can I do to make more money and/or cut costs in my beef cattle operation”
Forage Testing For Beef Cattle
• “Don’t guess forage test” John Arthington
• Assessment of fertilization and forage management practices
• Absolute necessity for ration balancing• What is the cost of forage testing,
What is the true cost of not forage testing……..
Matt Hersom, 2008
Forage Testing Facilities
• UF Forage Extension Laboratory http://rcrec-ona.ifas.ufl.edu/papfel
• Dairy One http://www.dairyone.com• Waters Laboratory http://www.watersag.com• http://www.foragetesting.org
Matt Hersom, 2008