Linking Markets with Forage Quality

To better understand the interaction and importance of laboratory testing and the pricing and marketing of forages, a survey of professional animal nutritionists was conducted Fall, 2011. The purpose was to develop a better understanding of the sum total ‘demand’ factors which determine how forage quality should be measured and linked to markets. This survey showed that nutritionists generally prioritize fiber measurements of NDF or ADF, secondarily CP, thirdly a digestibility estimate such as NDFD for marketing of hay. They would like to see digestibility measurements incorporated into hay markets if consistency of measurements can be improved. DM, starch, and NDFD are prioritized measurements for corn silage. Although nutritionists prefer using multiple analyses to evaluate forages, US markets currently primarily use a single fiber measurement to determine price. While there is a need for simplicity in marketing, simply using ADF or NDF, this method often fails to detect important quality features. Most of those surveyed favor a new national standardized equation based upon a widely recognized summative equation, in addition to lab analyses, to be used for marketing. While nutritionists require many analyses for ration balancing, a simpler set is likely to be sufficient for markets. A ‘hierarchical’ approach to marketing of forages is suggested, with multiple measurements (particularly NDF, CP, NDFD and ASH, and starch in the case of silage) playing important roles, depending upon class of animal, ration approach, and production system. While it is clear that the current system needs to change, new approaches must be science-based, transparent, and based upon as wide a consensus view as possible.