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Protocol for forage analysis
Solution name: Protocol for forage analysis
Aim: To give advice on interpretation of silage/forage analysis and methodology for collecting and submitting samples to a lab for testing.
Description:
Forage such as silage and hay form the base of most sheep rations in the UK. However, as this is such a variable product, it is vital to have an analysis to ensure the nutritional requirements are being met from the ration and how best to complement silage with appropriate concentrate if required.
This solution presents a series of videos and factsheets to ensure forage analysis is done properly.
How to implement:
The factsheets and videos inform on how to do regular analysis of forage.
The guides include how to sample, what analysis is required from laboratory, interpretation of results and visual assessment on farm.
Videos
- Assessing your forage part 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x_ntQxSLjLo&list=PL8DdHOvRK_JlP-h6XQ504NspuVAAzguLm&index=2
- Assessing your forage part 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=naiHKTs2X84&list=PL8DdHOvRK_JlP-h6XQ504NspuVAAzguLm&index=3
Factsheet:
Topic: Nutrition
Production: Dairy / Meat
Animal Category: All
Issue: Forage feed value (ewe)
Level of Solution: Knowledge, Practical
Country: UK

Expected benefits
Expected benefits:
- Improved uptake of forage analysis provided by the guidance on how to sample and interpret results
- Forage analysis allows full assessment of the ration to ensure nutritional requirements are being met, therefore improving production and efficiency
Prerequisites and/or limits:
- Analysis must be acquired from laboratory
- Cost of analysis