Forage Quality Analysis Checklist

Unlock peak forage value! 🌾 Our Forage Quality Analysis checklist guides you through essential steps - from sampling to lab results - ensuring your livestock thrive. Boost yields, reduce waste & maximize your agricultural investment. Download now! #forage #agriculture #livestock #qualityanalysis #hay #pasture

This Template was installed 2 times.

Sample Collection & Preparation

1 of 8

Ensuring a representative sample is crucial for accurate analysis. This section covers proper collection and preparation techniques.

Field Notes - Location & Conditions

GPS Coordinates of Sample Site

Date of Sample Collection

Time of Sample Collection

Number of Subsamples Combined

Plant Species Present (Select All That Apply)

Detailed Description of Sample Appearance (Color, Smell, Presence of Mold)

Photo of Sample in Field (Optional)

Nutrient Analysis - Dry Matter (DM)

2 of 8

Determining the dry matter content is foundational. It's used to convert all other nutrient values to a dry matter basis.

Initial Weight of Sample (as received)

Weight of Sample After Drying (constant weight)

Dry Matter Percentage (%)

Drying Method Used (e.g., oven temperature, duration)

Drying Oven Temperature (°C)

Drying Time (hours)

Notes on Drying Process (e.g., any deviations from standard procedure)

Nutrient Analysis - Major Components

3 of 8

Analysis of key nutrients like Crude Protein (CP), Acid Detergent Fiber (ADF), Neutral Detergent Fiber (NDF), and Total Digestible Nutrients (TDN).

Crude Protein (CP) %

Acid Detergent Fiber (ADF) %

Neutral Detergent Fiber (NDF) %

Total Digestible Nutrients (TDN) %

Lignin Content %

Ash Content %

Forage Species (Primary)

Notes on Appearance/Odor/Condition

Nutrient Analysis - Minerals

4 of 8

Assessment of essential mineral content, impacting animal health and performance.

Calcium (Ca) Concentration (ppm)

Phosphorus (P) Concentration (ppm)

Magnesium (Mg) Concentration (ppm)

Potassium (K) Concentration (ppm)

Sulfur (S) Concentration (ppm)

Copper (Cu) Concentration (ppm)

Zinc (Zn) Concentration (ppm)

Iron (Fe) Concentration (ppm)

Manganese (Mn) Concentration (ppm)

Mineral Deficiency Concerns (Select all that apply)

Nutrient Analysis - Vitamins

5 of 8

Analysis of vitamins, though often less critical than major nutrients, can provide valuable information (optional).

Which Vitamins are to be analyzed?

Requested Detection Limit (ppm) for Vitamin A (if applicable)

Requested Detection Limit (ppm) for Vitamin D (if applicable)

Requested Detection Limit (ppm) for Vitamin E (if applicable)

Special Instructions for Vitamin Analysis (if any)

Units of Measurement for Results

Palatability & Digestibility Assessment (Optional)

6 of 8

Evaluating factors that impact how readily animals consume and digest the forage. Often based on lab techniques or estimations.

Visual Assessment of Appearance

Olfactory Assessment (Smell)

Leaf:Stem Ratio (Estimate)

Presence of Weeds/Foreign Materials

Maturity Stage (Estimate)

Notes on Animal Acceptance (if observed)

Data Interpretation & Reporting

7 of 8

Understanding the results and creating a clear report to guide forage management decisions.

Summary of Key Findings

Dry Matter Percentage (%)

Crude Protein (CP) Percentage (%)

Acid Detergent Fiber (ADF) Percentage (%)

Neutral Detergent Fiber (NDF) Percentage (%)

Overall Forage Quality Rating (e.g., Excellent, Good, Fair, Poor)

Recommendations for Management (e.g., fertilization, grazing strategy)

Date of Report

Quality Control & Assurance

8 of 8

Ensuring the reliability and accuracy of the analysis through proper procedures and lab accreditation.

Laboratory Accreditation Status

If not ISO 17025, Explain Accreditation/Quality Program

Replicate Analysis Coefficient of Variation (CV)

Standard Reference Material Usage

Last Calibration Date (Analytical Equipment)

Describe Calibration Procedures

Calibration Certificates (If Applicable)

We can do it Together

Need help with Checklists?

Have a question? We're here to help. Please submit your inquiry, and we'll respond promptly.

Email Address
How can we help?