What are samples and why are they important?
A sample is a representation of a batch of feed, usually taken with a corer, that is submitted for Feed Testing. A feed tests accuracy is highly dependent upon the quality of the sample that is provided for testing. This is why obtaining quality feed samples are so important. When a sample is collected, our laboratory uses this to NIR test and obtain feed tests results used for marketing your product. This isn’t to say that you should provide a sample that will generate the best result possible, as samples are representative of what you are going to be feeding out but to ensure you know the overall average composition of the batch.
Prior to taking a sample you need to identify the batch of feed. We define a batch as hay taken in the same cutting, at the same point of maturity, of the same species (single or multiple species) and commodity, from the same paddock and harvested within a 48hours period. Once a batch has been identified, you should consider additional parameters such as rain damage, weed content, post-cutting treatment and storage, as these can influence the batch’s quality.
After identifying the batch, you can begin sampling. The method of sampling will vary slightly depending on the commodity type, whether it’s hay, straw, silage, or standing forage.
Sampling Hay and Straw
A representative sample of hay or straw is best taken with a probe or hay corer. While a sample can be taken by taking handfuls from the inside of bales this method should not be relied on as it doesn’t give an accurate representation of the batch.
For information on how to collect a sample, check out our help and resources page here: Help And Resources – Fodderlink
Large Bales
Core samples should be taken from approximately 20% of bales in a batch. Randomly selected bales are to be cored at each end where possible, core at right angles to the surface at different heights along the stack. Combine all core samples into a bucket and mix thoroughly.
Small Bales
Small bales should be sampled the same as large bales with approximately 20% of bales, randomly selected for coring, only core the center of one end of each bale selected, combine all core samples into a bucket and mix thoroughly.
Sampling Silage
Silage should be samples close to the time of feed out, once fermentation is complete. It is important to retest silage stack again throughout feed out process.
For more information on how to collect a silage sample, check out our help and resources page here: Help And Resources – Fodderlink
Pit or Bunker
If the pit is unopened, cut plastic sheeting in 10 to 20 random locations along the length of the pit. Using a corer take a sample at each of the selected locations, trying to avoid the top 50cm of product as this material may be affected by air exposure. Combine all core samples into a bucket and mix thoroughly. Repair any holes that were made in the plastic with suitable tape or patches.
If the pit is open and samples are to be taken from the face, ensure that you are sampling at feed out time and avoid product that has had prolonged exposure to the air. Take 10 to 15 samples from across the face. Combine all samples into a bucket and mix thoroughly. Please note the face of a pit represents a small percentage of the overall batch and results will reflect this, in cases where a samples to taken from the face it is important to retest at regular intervals to ensure quality of product is known.
Wrapped Bales
Sampling of wrapped silage bales is similar to sampling large hay bales. Randomly select 20% of bales for sampling, samples should be taken from the middle of the curved face at a right angle to the surface. Once samples are taken, repair any holes that were made in the plastic with suitable tape or patches. Combine all core samples into a bucket and mix thoroughly.
Sampling Standing Forage
Starting in one corner of the paddock walk diagonally to the opposite corner, taking approximately 15 to 20 sample at random intervals along the way. Cut each sample at approximately grazing height, combine all core samples into a bucket and mix thoroughly.
For more information on how to collect a standing forage sample, check out our help and resources page here: Help And Resources – Fodderlink
Sample Handling
Once you have combined all core samples for the batch into a bucket and mixed thoroughly, place the sample into a Fodder Link zip lock bag (spilt the sample in half if too large), press and seal, removing as much air as possible at the same time.
For silage and forage samples it is recommended to place samples in the fridge or freezer, prior to mailing, wrap sample in bubble wrap or newspaper as added insulation and mail early in the week, as this can help reduce sample degradation while in the mail.
Complete Fodder Link Feed Test Submission form, place samples and submission form into a reply-paid post bag. Once your samples are received in the laboratory the team will advise samples are received and results will be available within 24hrs.
