Hay Testing: Labs, Equipment, and Results

Sep 4, 2024

Cassy Streeter, an expert in near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy, leads a global NIR affiliate network and holds advanced degrees from Cornell University. She shares insights on the vital role of forage testing in optimizing goat nutrition. Cassy demystifies the sampling process, offering tips on using hay bale corers effectively. She discusses various testing methods and emphasizes the importance of understanding results to enhance livestock health. Listeners will learn how to avoid unnecessary feed costs and ensure their herd thrives.

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Intro

00:00 • 2min

Forage Testing Evolution and Techniques

01:42 • 11min

Essential Guidelines for Hay Sampling and Testing

12:41 • 3min

Understanding Hay Testing Processes

16:00 • 9min

The Importance of Hay Testing for Livestock Nutrition

24:35 • 4min

Navigating Hay Testing Resources and Support

28:06 • 2min

Got a question? 🤔 Head over to https://thriftyhomesteader.com/hay-testing/ -- and drop it in the comments—so we can reply!

Description

If you’ve ever wondered about the importance of forage and hay testing to ensure your herd is receiving maximum nutrition, today’s episode will provide you with lots of valuable information. We are talking to Cassy Streeter, an expert in near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIR) who directs Dairy One’s NIR affiliate network of more than 30 members in 16 countries. She also holds both Bachelors and Masters degrees in animal science from Cornell University.

Understanding hay quality can help you optimize animal nutrition and productivity, whether you’re raising goats for meat, dairy, or both. Forage testing can be a component in balancing and managing your herd’s nutrition, and even keep you from spending money on unnecessary supplements or expensive feeds.

Wading into the world of hay testing can feel overwhelming. Cassy clarifies the entire process–from collecting a sample, choosing which test best fits your needs, how to send your samples to the lab, and what to do with your results once you receive them.

Cassy also offers some great advice on accessing hay bale corers, also known as hay probes, for sample collection without having to make a costly investment. More importantly, she outlines how to use them correctly. She also pulls back the curtain on how forage testers process and analyze hay samples for accurate results.

See full show notes here >> https://thriftyhomesteader.com/hay-testing/

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