Feed testing

Feed testing is a simple, practical way to make better plans and keep livestock in good condition especially during challenging times. 

Feed testing helps to:

• plan accurate feed budgets
• check nutritional value of stock feed
• make cost effective production decisions. 

When to test feed

Feed testing is strongly recommended when:

• feeding drought‑affected hay, silage or standing forage
• using failed crops, frost‑damaged cereals or opportunistic fodder
• feeding by‑products or unfamiliar purchased feeds
• preparing for joining, lambing or calving in dry conditions
• livestock condition or performance is slipping

If feed looks poor or unusual, test it before feeding.

What does a feed test tell you?

A standard feed test provides:

• Energy (ME) – critical for condition and production. Knowing the energy content of feed is critical in pregnant and lactating livestock.
• Protein (CP) – often limiting during drought, critical for young livestock for growth.
• Dry Matter (DM) – how much actual feed animals consume
• Fibre (NDF/ADF) – affects intake and performance

Optional tests can identify nitrates, minerals or toxins where risk is suspected. 

How to collect and test feed samples

Prepaid feed tests are available. The feed testing lab will test hay, fresh forage, silage, grain and concentrates.

Steps for hay sampling

1. Collect a feed quality service sampling bag.
2. Using a minimum 10-12 bales, take samples using a hay corer or pocketknife.
   1. If using a corer, make sure the hay is pushed out so that it doesn't get clogged.
   2. If using a knife, scrape off the outside hay that is exposed to the elements, then cut in and grab a sample.
3. If using square bales, take samples from the end of the bale (on the shortest edge) or if using round bales, take samples from the side of the bale (on the longest edge).
4. Fill the sample bag to the indicated line.
5. Complete enclosed submission form.
6. Seal feed quality service bag with your filled sample bag and completed submission form enclosed. 

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Video transcript

90 second hay testing

Welcome to our 90 second feed testing video.
Today we're going to show you how to test some hay using a number of methods.
You'll need a feed quality service bag to be able to send it off to the lab.
You can use a feed Cora to collect your sample.
If you haven't got one of these, the trusty old pocket knife will do the
job.
No matter what you're using, it's important to make sure you sample
upwards of 10 to 12 bales to get a good representative sample of what you're
feeding to your livestock.
Here are some things to consider.
If you're using square bales, sample from the end of the Bale.
If you're using round bales, sample from the side of the Bale.
When using a Cora after each core, you want to make sure that you push the
hay out to prevent it from clogging up.
Make sure you have filled the bag to the hay line indicated.
If you're using a knife, firstly scrape off the outside hay that
has been exposed to the elements.
Then cut in and grab a sample again, making sure to sample multiple bales and
fill to the line indicated on the sample bag.
The Feed Quality Service Bag contains A submission form you need to fill out,
plus a set of instructions for taking a sample.
Once you've filled out the submission form,
place it and your filled sample bag into the green Feed Quality Service Bag and
seal it up.
This bag is free to post, so just pop it into the post box when
you're in town next.

Sampling other feed types

Sampling grain, silage or other forages works on similar principles to hay of collecting a representative sample. 

Simply fill to the line indicated on the bag and send for testing. 

It is recommended to expel any air in the bag to reduce spoilage of fresh forage samples and to reduce the risk of sample bag opening in transit.

Where to get a feed test

To find out more about where to get a feed test, please call 1300 795 299 and ask to speak to your Local Land Services Ag Advisor.

What to do with the results

Results for basic tests can take 3 – 10 working days depending on the type of test.

Once you receive the test results, they can be used to:

• know what quality of feed you are dealing with
• decide how to use the feed in a ration
• match nutritional requirements for the animals that are being fed and the production goals
• compare the cost of feed options based on quality when purchasing feed.

A Local Land Services Agriculture advisor or independent nutritionist can help interpret results and turn them into clear feeding decisions.

You can find out more about how to make good feeding decisions for livestock in drought, flood or fires and how to manage feed and fodder risks.