Pasture samples may be collected by clipping with a knife or shears or by
grasping the forage with the hand and pulling the upper portions of the plants
to simulate grazing by livestock.
1. Take small sub-samples from fifteen locations throughout the pasture.
2. Avoid low areas and areas not representative of what the livestock will
graze.
3. Mix all sub-samples and package approximately one gallon in a bag.
4. Resealable plastic food storage bags (e.g. Ziploc) work well for pasture
samples. Using plastic bags will prevent moisture from escaping. This may
prolong respiratory losses during long storage periods and allow conditions
for microbial growth. Prolonged respiration would result in underestimated
total digestible nutrient (TDN) and overestimated crude protein (CP)
content.
5. Press out all air and seal the end of the bag. Removing all air will
help reduce respiratory losses during storage and shipping.
6. Mail samples early in the week so they arrive fresh in the laboratory
for analysis.
7. Samples may be frozen if immediate shipping cannot be accommodated.
Submit the samples to the laboratory of your choice. If you choose to send
your samples to the University of Arkansas Agricultural Services Lab, see
Submitting a Forage Sample
for Analysis for further instructions.
