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MSU Extension releases new MontGuide factsheets on forage analysis

Montana State University Extension specialists have released two new MontGuide fact sheets on forage analysis.

A new four-page MontGuide, Forage Analysis Interpretation, describes why forage analyses are an important tool in livestock nutrient management.

“Understanding forage analysis and how it can impact a ration feeding program is vital to maintaining herd health, improving productivity and decreasing forage waste,” said Megan Van Emon, MSU Extension beef cattle specialist.

Van Emon, MSU Extension Forage Specialist Emily Glunk and Colleen Buck, MSU Extension agriculture agent in Sheridan County, wrote the new MontGuide.

“Understanding forage analysis is important in determining how to balance livestock rations. Forage should be the basis of any livestock or equine diet, and as such, should be sampled to better achieve required daily nutrient intake. The utility of an analysis begins with proper forage sampling,” said Glunk.

Authors Glunk and Van Emon collaborated with another MSU Extension agriculture agent, Rose Malisani from Cascade County, to write a second MontGuide, Collecting a Forage or Feed Sample for Analysis. The second MontGuide defines how to properly collect a forage or feed sample for analysis to obtain the best overall estimate of forage or feed nutrients.

“The proper equipment, timing and placement of samples helps to ensure that you get the best description of feed and forage quality,” said Glunk.

Both MontGuide’s can be found on the MSU Extension publications website, Search “forage” to find the guides. For additional information on forages, visit the Forage Extension website at http://animalrangeextension.montana.edu/forage/.

Veterinary feed directive Meeting for Producers in Great Falls

The MSU Extension Beef Cattle Program will be conducting an educational program in Great Falls on September 12th. The Educational Program will take place from 1:00-5:00 p.m. at the Paddock Club. Antibiotic use in livestock and humans continues to undergo greater scrutiny as antibiotic resistance evolves. Antibiotic resistance is a main reason for implementation of the new VFD rule. First, the rule deals with antibiotics fed to animals, not injectable antibiotics. Secondly, not all antibiotics currently fed to animals are included in the rule. If you are feeding medicated feeds to your cattle, please try to attend this important meeting.

Montana State University U.S. Department of Agriculture and Montana Counties Cooperating. MSU Extension is an equal opportunity/affirmative action provider of educational outreach.