By Scout Nelson
Winter brings unique challenges for livestock producers, particularly in managing feeding resources. To address this, Kansas State University Extension specialists Brian Rees and Chelsea Bartels recently conducted a cow-calf production clinic in Emporia, focusing on the benefits of forage sampling. They emphasized its role in saving time and money, especially when feed resources are scarce.
Forage sampling, a critical tool in maintaining livestock health, involves testing for nutritional quality, which can vary across hay cuttings. Rees and Bartels guided producers on when and how to take accurate samples, stressing the importance of precision, consistency, and timeliness.
Bartels advised using a forage probe rather than hand sampling to ensure a representative sample that accurately reflects the forage's nutritional content. She recommended sampling about 10% of the bales to get a reliable indication of the overall quality. Bartels also highlighted the importance of avoiding sample fermentation by storing it properly before testing.
In terms of silage sampling, Rees underscored the necessity of safety. He advised taking multiple samples across different sides of the silage pile to account for potential deterioration. The best practice is to collect samples as close to feeding time as possible, while ensuring safety measures are in place to avoid any risks associated with unstable silage piles.
These expert insights from Rees and Bartels offer valuable guidance for livestock producers in maximizing their forage resources through accurate sampling, ultimately contributing to better livestock health and farm efficiency.
Photo credit: kansas state university
Categories: Kansas, Crops, Hay & Forage, Livestock