WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?
Testing your hay: Often those new to cattle production are quick to buy bales of hay without thinking about: where IT was cut, which cutting IT was cut in, what the nitrogen levels and other micro and macro nutrients IT contains, and what percent crude protein and total digestible nutrients are.
TESTING THE HAY
Hay testing is essential for farmers, livestock owners, and agricultural professionals to assess the quality and nutritional value. Evaluating hay’s nutritional composition, like nitrogen, protein, and total digestible nutrients, ensures optimal animal health and productivity.
Determining the appropriate feeding program involves understanding hay’s nutrients and identifying any deficiencies. This provides insights into specific nutrients, enabling tailored feeding strategies for animals’ dietary needs.
This process helps prevent underfeeding or overfeeding, both of which can harm animal health.
Agricultural laboratories offer comprehensive analysis, while portable testing devices provide quick, convenient on-site results. Collect representative samples from different bales or lots for accurate hay testing results.
Regular hay testing consequently allows farmers to decide on supplementing diets with additional nutrients if necessary. Consequently, this proactive approach optimizes animal health and productivity, leading to better growth rates and higher milk production.
Additionally, it improves reproductive performance and overall livestock well-being. In summary, this testing is crucial for effective livestock management. Understanding hay’s nutritional value helps farmers create feeding programs that support animal health and productivity. Therefore, it ensures sustainable and profitable agricultural operations.
LEARN THE VALUE OF YOUR RANCH OR HOME AT LEGACY BROKER GROUP’S VALUATION TOOL.
