Do not label a forage sample by what it should have been. Equations used to estimate TDN and NE, should be determined for each region. Forages grown in various parts of the country differ dramatically in nutrient composition and availability. Although the equations used to estimate energy are beyond the hands of the producer, it is up to nutritionists to use reliable laboratories for feed analysis. Taking a representative sample The most important part of analyzing forages is taking a representative sample.
Hay probes are effective when sampling dry forages.
If you have more than 15 bales, sample up to 15 bales from a field for each cutting. Empty the probe contents into a paper bag or box. After all bales have been sampled, mix the contents of the bag or box. Do not separate out less desirable portions of the hay. If you feed the entire bale of hay to your animals, you need to send vr a sample that represents the entire bale of hay.