getting hay alalysed

[PucciNPoni]

Can anyone advise me - or tell me how to get this done? Also, I'm on a livery yard where the hay is provided by the YOs (we buy it from them). How reliable is a test on one bale going to be when trying to get an idea of hay that might be grown in different fields (or even different areas of the same field)?

 

[touchstone]

Dodson and Horrell and Dengie offer a forage analysis, I've never had one done as my hay is from different sources, but if yours is from the same place then I'd contact the feed companies and ask their advice on getting a reliable sample.

 

[cm2581]

You can send it to my work!! Well another lab in the building! I deal with POOH!!!

http://www.sac.ac.uk/consulting/services/f-h/fbs/serviceprovision/analyticalservices/forages/

 

[Ali2]

I've just used forageplus
www.forageplus.co.uk

A test on one bale isn't going to tell you anything very useful. You need a reasonable sample size from a batch. If you can't guarantee the source of your hay then you may be watsing your money having it analysed?

 

[Jasons Dad]

Just visited that Forageplus site, looks like an interesting way to feed your horse, who's tried it then any good?

 

[Ali2]

I will be trying it - horse is already on a mostly forage, high fibre low sugar diet. The haylage has been analysed and Sarah is formulating a balancing plan now. I am very interested to see what difference it makes to him. Probs be cheaper too as I will only be feeding what's lacking and not a load of stuff that isn't in an attempt to cover all bases

 

[Jasons Dad]

Thanks let us know how it goes. Might contact them though

 

[Ali2]

Will do