Nitrate Feed Testing
The nitrate component of pasture or feeds is absorbed very quickly into the bloodstream of ruminant animals. When the level of dietary nitrate is high, some of the absorbed nitrate is converted to nitrite, which reduces the ability of the blood (haemoglobin) to carry oxygen. “Nitrate Poisoning” is actually a form of suffocation (anoxia). To ensure that the risk of nitrate poisoning is appropriately managed we recommend using our Nitrate Feed Testing services. Details of this service can be found in our technical note.
Feed Dry Matter Testing
Dry Matter (DM) refers to the weight of feed as harvested forage or silage after removal of all moisture, expressed as a % of the fresh weight. An accurate assessment of dry matter is important for three main reasons:
• Forages are often traded on a dry matter basis.
• Dry matter content is used to develop feed rations (along with other feed quality parameters).
• Dry matter content is required to measure herbage production per area from field plot trials.
Where forage is traded on a dry matter basis, there can be large financial transactions involved so it is essential that error in DM measurements is minimised. Our
technical note explains more.
DIY Feed samplings kits are available to order online, and include
sampling instructions or bulk supplies can be ordered for regular customers.