The Importance of Forage Testing for Livestock Producers

AgReview

The Importance of Forage Testing for Livestock Producers

Wednesday, October 29, 2025

Forage testing is a simple yet critical management tool for livestock producers looking to improve herd health, optimize feed efficiency, and enhance economic returns. It involves sending a representative sample of feed (such as hay, silage, or greenfeed) to a laboratory for analysis to determine its nutritional profile including key metrics like protein, energy, fiber, and mineral content.

Why Forage Testing Matters

By understanding exactly what nutrients are present in your feed, you can make informed decisions that directly impact animal performance, particularly during the winter months when livestock rely heavily on stored forages. Accurate feed testing allows you to:

Balance rations effectively

Minimize feed costs

Prevent nutritional deficiencies

Avoid potential health risks

Ensure accurate forage pricing

Lab results are usually shown on both an “as-fed” and “dry matter” (DM) basis. Since moisture content can change how much feed your animals are truly getting, comparing feeds on a DM basis gives you a much clearer picture.

What to Test For

When testing hay, silage, or greenfeed, it is important to analyze the following key components:

Dry Matter (DM, %): Indicates the moisture content of the feed. Some labs also report Organic Matter (OM, %), the portion of feed remaining after both water and minerals are removed. OM is primarily used for assessing energy content or digestibility, but for routine ration balancing, DM is usually sufficient.

Crude Protein (CP, %): Supports growth, reproduction, and lactation.

Acid Detergent Fibre (ADF, %): Affects digestibility – higher ADF means lower digestibility.

Neutral Detergent Fibre (NDF, %): Influences how much feed an animal will eat.

Calcium (Ca, %), Phosphorus (P, %), Potassium (K, %), Magnesium (Mg, %): Key minerals for animal health.

Special Considerations

Nitrates and Nitrites: If annual forages experienced stress (such as drought or frost) during growth, testing for nitrates is strongly recommended. High nitrate levels can be toxic to livestock. If greenfeed bales experienced heating, a nitrite test should also be considered, as nitrites are ten times more toxic than nitrates.

Silage Testing: Along with nutrient analysis, check silage pH. A value below 5 usually indicates proper fermentation, which helps preserve feed quality.

Conclusion

Forage testing is not just a recommended practice, it is a vital part of modern livestock management. Knowing your feed’s nutritional value helps you meet your animals’ needs more precisely, reduce waste, and improve your bottom line.

Forage testing gives you the data to back your feeding decisions, especially in years when feed quality and supply are uncertain.

Local Resources

Rocky View County offers hay probes for rent and maintains a list of local labs that accept forage samples. Using the right sampling tools ensures your results are accurate and representative of your feed supply.

For more information or to borrow a hay probe, contact the County Office at 403-230-1401.

Additional Learning Resources