LSU AgCenter Forage Quality Laboratory
The LSU AgCenter Forage Quality Laboratory is at the Southeast Research Station near Franklinton, La. Louisiana and Mississippi forage and livestock producers can submit feed and forage samples for analysis. Forage quality analyses are also performed for research conducted in Louisiana and cooperative projects in Mississippi.
The Forage Laboratory has analyzed samples submitted by Mississippi producers and researchers since a Memorandum of Understanding was signed in 1992 by the Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station (MAFES) and LSU AgCenter. That agreement has stimulated collaborative work and sharing of information among researchers in both states.
The laboratory is equipped to provide both NIRS (near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy) and conventional wet chemistry testing. Samples can be analyzed for dry matter (DM), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), crude protein (CP) and minerals (Ca, P, Mg, K, Cu, Zn, Mn). The standard procedure for samples received by the laboratory includes DM (oven dried) and CP, NDF, ADF and TDN (Total Digestible Nutrients) estimated with NIRS. Wet chemistry is performed on samples unsuitable for NIRS analyses. Additional analyses, such as in vitro true digestibility (IVTD) and soluble nitrogen concentration, are also performed for many research projects.
Typical producer samples received for analysis include total mixed rations (TMR), mixed concentrate feeds, silage, haylage, hay, by-product feeds and fresh forage samples.
Feeding costs are often among the largest expenses for livestock producers. Accurate feed analyses allow for diets more precisely balanced to meet animal requirements, which in turn could improve animal performance, increase profitability of the operation and, ultimately, reduce nutrient loads to the environment.
Before submitting samples to the Forage Quality Laboratory, please fill out the Sample Submission Form.
For more information, please contact:
Randy Walz
Southeast Research Station
P.O. Drawer 569
Franklinton, LA 70438
Phone: (985) 839-2322
Fax: (985) 839-3202
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| Last Updated: 8/31/2009 2:52:52 PM |
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