Hay testing leas to more efficient feeding! An inexpensive hay test can offer the best guidance as to how much supplemental feed is required for a beef cattle herd, and at the same time, save ranchers money. Given the ongoing drought conditions, forage testing is more important than ever for producers watching their bottom line.
A hay test can cost $50 or less, and many ranchers may be feeding more hay or supplement than they have to or the wrong type of supplement. Knowing the nutritional value of your hay prevents over- or under-feeding, ensuring every dollar is spent wisely. A test provides key information on crude protein content and forage digestibility.
Here’s how a hay test can improve your feeding strategy:
- Higher Quality Hay: Producers with higher quality hay may want to look at lower priced energy supplements and reducing hay availability as a means of conserving forage. This approach helps reduce costs while maintaining the herd’s body condition score.
- Lower Quality Hay: For lower-quality forage, producers will need to focus on supplements with adequate levels of both energy and protein to meet the herd’s nutritional demands.
- Prevent Waste: With current hay prices, you want to avoid waste. You don’t want to give them unlimited access to hay. Testing helps you portion feed accurately.
Ultimately, a hay test allows you to make better, more informed decisions. Drought demands that producers find the cheapest source of energy they can realistically handle and safely feed. By testing your hay, you can build a more efficient and cost-effective feeding program.
Don’t forget to visit your local Steinhauser’s for advice on cost-effective feeding programs!
Source: Blair Fannin, Media Relations Specialist with Texas A&M AgriLife Communications