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Forage testing provides us with useful information about the nutritional value of our pasture, hay, or silage. Analyzing forages for their nutrient content allows us to formulate animal rations, determine whether forage quality is adequate, and ensure proper ration supplementation.

There are two methods used to analyse such variables: the traditional chemistry analysis and the newer, near infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS) analysis.

Grasses and legumes fed to animals in the form of: Pasture: Cows harvest feed themselves by going out and eating grasses or legumes that grow in pastures. Hay: Farmers cut grasses and legumes in the field, let them dry, and then bale them for feeding at a later date.

Many labs use near-infrared spectroscopy ( NIRS ) technology for analysis of forage samples. NIRS is a rapid, repeatable, nondestructive method of forage analysis. It measures the reflectance of near-infrared light to predict the quality parameters instead of chemicals used in a conventional “wet chemistry” method.

Forage crops are grown specifically for grazing by livestock or harvested to help make up seasonal shortfalls between feed demand and supply. They form a vital part of livestock production.

Testing your forages can be a useful tool to minimize feeding costs while maximizing animal production. Forage testing provides the nutritional value of pasture, hay, or silage. It is important to know the quality and nutrient content of feed to calculate an efficient feed ration and mineral supplementation program.