Why and How to Test Hay Quality

In my opinion it's always a good idea to test your hay! It's really the only way to know exactly what you are getting. Smell and sight alone aren't good enough indicators of hay quality. The best way to know how much supplemental feed that cattle or other livestock will need, is to take a sample of the hay and have it tested by a lab to determine the actual crude protein and TDN values. TDN is 'Total Digestible Nutrients' and is what the cow uses to live. Protein, TDN, and Fiber all contribute to the quality of hay.
Here are some good resources that will let you use hay test results to determine supplement needs - and also some good reading material that goes more in depth regarding beef cattle nutrient requirements.
Oakfield Hay Samplers
www.soilsample...
Hay Sampler Probe on Amazon
amzn.to/3IX9l5R
Collecting Forage Samples for Analysis
extension.okst...
OSU CowCulator (Free download from OK State University)
extension.okst...
University of Kentucky Beef Forage Supplement Tool
forage-suppleme...
Supplementing Beef Cows
extension.okst...
Nutrient Requirements of Beef Cattle
extension.okst...
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[@HeritageFarmsTexas]

Good video. Smart to test it.

[@arrowjmfarms]

I really like knowing what I have and what may be lacking so I can make up for it as needed.

[@robertmycroft8268]

Oh, I see the problem, you're using a Dewalt when you should be using a Milwaukee drill... LOL, sorry, I had to do that. Good info, and presented well. I need to test my hay this year.

[@arrowjmfarms]

Haha! I hear ya! Kinda like Chevy/Ford/Dodge etc. Lol. However I do like Milwaukee also! They are making some good tools these days.