Forage and Feed Testing Programs – Problems and Opportunities

Abstract

A survey of the 50 United States and 9 Canadian provinces showed that most offer a feed testing service. During the past 5 yr, there has been a large increase in the array of tests available to dairymen and in the number of forages and feeds submitted to laboratories for chemical analyses. However, a number of states have no specific program to help farmers use results of the forage tests. Although new infrared technology eventually may replace more expensive wet chemistry for routine forage analysis, much greater effort should be directed toward using the information now being generated. © 1981, American Dairy Science Association. All rights reserved.