Importance of Hay Testing

Hay is one of the most versatile of stored forages.  It can be kept for long periods of time with little loss of nutrients if protected from weather.  A large number of crops can be successfully used for hay production.  It can be produced and fed in small or large amounts.  It can be harvested, stored and fed by hand or the production and feeding can be completely mechanized.  Hay can supply most nutrients needed by many classes of livestock. For those reasons, hay is the most commonly used stored feed on most farms.  Since hay is such a widely used feed, it is important to understand the factors that affect quality of hay and how to recognize quality of hay, especially with winter quickly approaching. 

Specialist say that the ultimate test of hay quality is animal performance. Quality can be considered satisfactory when animals consuming the hay give the desired performance. Three of the factors which influence animal performance are: Consumption—hay must be palatable if it is to be consumed in adequate quantities; Digestibility and nutrient content—once the hay is eaten, it must be digested to be converted to animal products; and Toxic factors—high-quality hay must be free of components which are harmful to animals consuming it.

Moving into the winter months when hay is your main source of feed for livestock, knowing its nutrient content is extremely important.   Forage testing is the only way to determine the actual nutrient content of the hay. It is possible for livestock to starve on a full stomach of poor quality hay.  Having your hay tested is a great way to be sure your livestock are consuming an adequate diet. You may or may not need to feed grain, depending on the quality of your hay. The better the quality of the hay you feed, the less grain you will need to feed, which can affect your checkbook.

There are several options when it comes to forage testing in our area.  Taking your samples to Waters Laboratory on Hwy 81 in Owensboro is one option.  Or you can mail your samples to DairyOne in New York.  A third option is to contact the McLean County Cooperative Extension Office to collect samples and send to the Kentucky Department of Agriculture for testing. 

For more information about hay testing, contact the McLean County Cooperative Extension Service at (270)273-3690.  Educational programs of the Cooperative Extension Service serve all people regardless of race, color, sex, religion, disability or national origin.