1. Obtain a sample from different kinds of feed in the following manner:
a. Standing Feed: Cut 6 to 8 stalks of standing feed (cane, sudan, corn, sorghum, and similar types of feed) six inches above ground level throughout the field being sampled and composite into one sample. Send the entire sample to the lab for shredding, processing, and analysis.
b. Silage: For upright silos grab several sub-samples at intervals while unloading and composite into one sample. For bunker silos, obtain 15 sub-samples 6” to 12” into the face of the silo and composite into one sample. Allow the silage to undergo fermentation at least 4 weeks before sampling.
c. Hay Bales: Identify a single lot of hay to be less than 200 tons. Different fields should be sampled separately. Sample each cutting of alfalfa separately. Bales should be selected for sampling at random. Use a hay probe to core a minimum of 20 bales.
d. Grain and Mixed Grain: Take 5 cores or grab samples of grain from various places in the bin or truck.
e. Ration samples: Collect several samples from the bunk immediately after unloading the ration.
2. Place the sample in an airtight plastic bag and send to the laboratory. A feed sample submittal form to indicate the sender’s name and address, sample identification, kind of feed, and tests desired should be included with the sample.
3. Hay probes can be purchased from American Lab. Several models are available.