Proper Hay Sampling Techniques
By Gene Schmitz
MU Livestock specialist
In the past, I’ve spent a lot of time discussing the importance of hay testing to determine appropriate feeding programs, but not much time discussing how to actually collect the samples. Because of the variation in growth rate and hay volume, this would be a good year to sample some of your hay supply and a quick discussion on sampling techniques is warranted.
To collect the sample, use a hay test corer to get a cross section of the bales being sampled. Hay corers can be used with either electric drills or hand braces. Sample round bales from the side, not from the end. It will take some pressure to get the corer pushed into the bale. Moisture and bale density will impact the force needed to push the corer into the bale. Get the corer as deep into the bale as possible. This ensures sampling a good cross section of the bale at various depths across the bale. Do not pull a handful of hay from the end of the bale as your sample. That will not give an accurate result.
As with sampling any product, the results will only be as good as the sample that is collected and sent to the laboratory. I recommend sampling 10 to 12 bales from each lot of hay that is being tested. This could be from a specific cutting, specific field, different forage species, etc. Collect samples from the entire pile or line of bales to ensure bales from various places in the field are being sampled. Bringing a round bale or flake of hay to the Extension office for sampling is not a representative sample.
Place the collected sample from each bale into a plastic freezer bag. All samples collected from a lot of hay can be put into the same container or bag. Quart or half-gallon size freezer bags filled about 2/3 full should provide enough hay for the lab.
Once the sample has been collected and placed in the freezer bag, be sure to mark the bag with your name and sample identification.
Many commercial labs provide forage analysis services. Each of these labs will have a form to submit along with the sample. Be sure to fill out the form carefully. Include information about the sample, such as cool-season grass hay, grass legume mixed hay, warm-season grass hay, legume haylage, etc. Some labs also request the species of animal the forage will be fed to.
Selecting which test to have the lab run is the last decision. If it is a common forage, I generally recommend tests that provide information on protein, energy and a few major minerals. For a few dollars more, a more extensive test with additional information on fiber analysis and trace minerals may be warranted. Test packages and costs vary from lab to lab, but generally range from $20 to $35 depending on the analysis being requested.
Most MU Extension offices have hay probes or at least access to this equipment. Many will have information and submission forms from several labs. Submission forms and fees are also available from laboratory websites.
If you have additional questions on hay testing, collecting, or submitting samples, contact me at schmitze@missouri.edu or by calling the Pettis County Extension Center in Sedalia at (660) 827-0591. Your local MU Extension Center will also have information on hay testing. Hay testing is not hard, but the information is only as useful as the sample collected and analysis requested.
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