Page 21 - MWC 8-6-20s

The Midwest Cattleman · August 6, 2020 · P21
Taking a Good Forage Sample

By Ray Hicks, University of Georgia Extension
ry that uses ysis is to collect a representa- to prevent spoilage. Regular
proven and ac- tive forage sample. Extreme duct tape is not sufficient and
cepted meth- variation may occur in hay will deteriorate quickly in en-
ods of forage quality even when harvested vironmental conditions. For
analysis. It is from the same field. As a re- small square bales, select 20
strongly sug- sult, a separate forage sample bales and sample from the
gested that should be tested for each hay end at a straight inward line.
you choose a “lot.” A “lot” refers to a quanti- Place the sample to be tested
Forages are the basis of National Forage Testing As- ty of similar forage. Each cut- in a plastic zip lock bag and
most of our livestock enter- sociation Certified Lab. ting should be sampled and label before taking to Exten-
prises. Moreover, the nutri- Equipment required for marked in storage area where sion office. Bags should be
tional make-up of that forage collecting forage samples in- you know which is which. labeled with your name, lot
should be the foundation of a clude a forage probe, a mixing For round bales and bale- name, date harvested, and
balanced diet for our livestock bucket, and sample bags. The age select a minimum of 10 species of grass. For more
but many times this is taken two most common types of hay – 20 representative bales detailed information on col-
for granted. Many factors (e.g. probes are the Penn State or and collect two cores from lecting a forage sample go
variety, maturity, growing the Colorado. The Penn State the round side of each. Com- to www.foragetesting.org.
conditions, handling practic- probe will require a brace and bine the cores in a bucket and When the results come
es, etc.) affect forage quali- bit or an electric drill to use. mix well. Large round bales back get with your Extension
ty prior to the time it is fed. Both probes collect a good should be sampled to the cen- agent and go over it. They
As a result, predicting forage sample and are superior to a ter using a long probe or one can help you tailor which lot
quality values from standard grab-sample. Most Extension with an extension adapter. to feed to each class of ani-
books often grossly overes- offices have a probe that you Angle the probe in an upward mal. The cost of the sample is
timates or underestimates can borrow. Forage should be direction to reduce the poten- money well spent in balanc-
feeding value. A better way to sampled as near to the time of tial for water entering the ing your feed needs and will
determine feeding value is to feeding or sale as possible. core holes. In baleage, reseal save you money in the end.
have a representative forage The most important step in core hole with tape made for
sample tested by a laborato- obtaining a meaningful anal- sealing agricultural plastic

SUPPLEMENTING COULD EARLY less. If calves are sold directly
continued from page 9 continued from page 13 off the cows and ownership is Callaway

average 2-3:1 in which forage $5 per cwt. more than Novem- not retained, this would mean Livestock
a smaller payday. The lighter
intake decreases 2-3 pounds ber culls. Cows nursing calves (younger) calves will bring a
for each pound of supplement often continue to lose weight higher price per pound, but this Center, Inc.
consumed at lower levels of up to the time the calves are will not make up the difference On I-70, 4 miles east of
supplementation. There is a weaned. A study by Landblum in the total payment received Kingdom City, MO on outer road
wide degree of variability in et al. in North Dakota showed for larger calves. The value of
the actual forage intake re- a decrease in cow weight of forage saved and increase in 573-642-7486
sponse and one should mon- 136 pounds with a November body condition of the cows need
itor cattle and observe body versus August weaning. This to be accounted for when look- Feeder Sale
condition to ensure sufficient could amount to an extra $150. ing at early weaning. If early
nutrient intake to support the Holding these cull cows until weaning extends the grazing Monday
desired level of performance. traditional weaning time, while season, and a producer has 12:30 p.m.
If you are faced with lim- calves continue to nurse, may plenty of good quality hay, the
ited pasture forage or hay, result in a smaller payday and producer could sell some of that
consult with your nutrition- less forage remaining in the hay at a premium. Early wean- 1st Thursday Night
ist or county Extension agent pasture. Early weaning will ing could pay off. of Each Month
to develop a feeding program also allow retained cows to put A final point to consid-
for your herd. There are many on body condition from pasture er would be keeping weaned 6:00 p.m.
feedstuffs that can be utilized forage before heading into win- calves and backgrounding
to develop the most cost-effec- ter and use of stored forage. A 5 them. Early weaning and then Special Cow Sale
tive feeding program that de- to 7 body condition score at the backgrounding can allow you to
livers the nutrients the cattle beginning of the calving sea- put some inexpensive gain on
need to achieve your desired son will increase the likelihood the calves. In addition, if pro- David Means
level of performance. Here’s of cycling early and getting cessing facilities are still backed
hoping you all get some time- pregnant early the next sea- up as we reach the end of sum- 573-642-9753
ly rain. son. Having a calf early in the mer, early weaning and then
breeding season is one of the Jack Harrison
most important determinates of backgrounding of the calves can 573-386-2138
provide a little extra flexibility
profitability. An increased body
condition score can have long for timing of marketing to avoid John P. Harrison
backlogged market conditions.
term impacts on productivity. 573-386-5150
The downside to early wean-
ing is younger calves weigh