FEEDS TESTING
Why do feed testing?
- Feed Testing allows the farmer to ensure their feeding strategy is optimum
- With correct feed the farmer has good production management, management of weight, maintenance or improvement of milk production
- Helps to predict the outcome of production in the farming environment
How do I get my feeds tested?
- Just collect samples and send them on to FBA Laboratories
- Select the different feed types you want to check
- See the section on Sampling to be sure you follow the correct process
What FEEDS TEST can I get?
Helps determine whether a feed is providing the right balance of nutrients and is supporting animal health and performance. Standard feed evaluation includes:
- dry matter
- crude protein
- oil
- crude fibre
- ash
- ME.
Helps determine hay quality and guide feeding decisions. Key components measured are:
- dry matter
- crude protein
- ash
- ADF
- DMD
- ME.
A mould count can also be offered if requested.
Any other forages tested under this heading - straw, silage, red clover, brassica, etc. Key components tested are:
- dry matter
- crude protein
- ash
- ADF
- DMD
- ME.
Other components available are OMD (organic matter digestibility), WSC (water soluble carbohydrates) & pH.
Alkagrains are treated cereal grains. The standard test includes dry matter, crude protein & pH. Optional add-on test which can be requested - starch.
NOPS (Naturally Occurring Prohibited Substances) is now a stand-alone code, run solely by the British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA). The definition of a prohibited substance is “any substance that can exert an effect on a horse” which is a broad, all encompassing definition. A natural & other prohibited substance (or NOPS) is one that is either naturally present within certain ingredients or that occurs as a result of inadvertent cross contamination during processing before arriving at the feed manufacturer’s facility.
Other tests done on feeds:
-
Microbiological testing: Salmonella & E. Coli
-
Molasses dry matter
-
Neutral Detergent Fibre (NDF)