Forage/Feed Testing

For testing and submission procedures, contact:

• Corey Childs, Animal Science, cchilds@vt.edu
• Bobby Clark, Crop and Soil Science, raclark@vt.edu
• Elizabeth Baldwin, Animal Science, elizam3@vt.edu 

Laboratory testing of forages for nutrient content and quality is an important management tool and can be used to detect feed management problems, balance an animal's ration, and predict how much forage an animal will consume. Knowing the quality of the forages you are selling or buying is economically wise as well.  It is important to know the nutrient content of forages before feeding, especially dry matter, crude protein, fiber, and estimated energy. Your local Extension agent can provide forage sampling instructions, testing, and an interpretation of the results for your farm.