Improve Your Bottom Line Through the Power of Feed Testing

Now that cattle feed is harvested or being harvested, it’s time to start thinking about testing that feed. While visual assessment can help separate the good quality feed from the poor-quality feed, it is not going to help you determine the energy and protein content – only a feed test can accurately provide this information. For the most accurate results, it is best to test your feed shortly before cattle consume it or when management decisions are to be made, but you’ll need to leave adequate time for the results to come back so you can plan for supplemental feed if it’s needed. For example, if you harvested your feed at the end of August and sent the sample off mid-September, then you should have your results back by the end of September at the latest, giving you between then and when you start winter feeding to source any supplemental feed you might need.   Why feed test? Develop appropriate rations that meet the nutritional needs of different classes of beef cattle and stages