Kit contains:

• Three labelled silage sample bags
• One outer addressed envelope

 

1. Please complete all details on the three labelled silage sample bags.
2. Take a representative sample and place in each sample bag.
3. Seal sample bags fully and remove all air from each bag.
4. Place the sample bags in the outer envelope addressed ‘Feed & Forage Laboratory’ and seal this envelope.
5. You can return to your sealed envelope to your local homeland store or send via An Post (please note postage is not included).

 

Forage results will be issued to the email address provided on the labelled sample bags.

These results or your invoice are eligible as proof of compliance with the Beef Welfare Scheme.

 

How to take a representative silage sample?

It is advisable to take a representative sample of your bales or pits, to ensure that analysis is accurate.

 

1. It is advisable to wait 6 weeks after ensiling before taking a sample.
2. Use a silage corer if available.

• Use a silage corer to pierce through the bale/pit.
• Take a number of samples with the corer along various points of the bale/pit, until you have enough to fill the sample bag.
• If you do not have a silage corer you can collect samples from multiple areas of open bales or in the form of a W across the face of an open pit.
• Avoid exposed, spoiled or mouldy areas.
• Ensure each silage bag is sealed and labelled correctly.

 

 Benefits of forage testing:

• Helps you plan and budget your silage.
• Provides information for animal nutrition and adequate supplementation.
• Ensures animals get the right nutrients for better performance.
• Improves feed efficiency and reduces waste.

 

Forage test results or invoice are acceptable as proof of compliance with Beef Welfare Scheme.