Stay informed with the LNN Daily Newsletter
Cattle in the field - LNN

New feed test tools available Alberta Beef Producers

Aug 2, 2019 | 3:59 PM

CALGARY — Two new and different feed testing tools have been developed to help cattle producers analyze their test results. Karen Schmid, Alberta Beef Producers (ABP) Beef Production Specialist, explains the tools.

“With the first tool, you take your feed test results and punch it in and it basically gives you a report card on the feed test results. It’ll show you if there’s a major problem with the feed you’re looking at and if you should talk to a nutritionist, or use some ration balancing software to mitigate that problem.”

Schmid continued, “The other tool looks at valuing fees based on quality, and what it will do is look at protein and energy and place a relative value on those nutrients so you can compare between feeds you have on-hand and feed you’re looking to buy, to see if its a good deal or not, based on the quality you’re getting.”

As for the need for the tools, Schmid sees them as another bit of help for he producer.

“I think for the most part, people understand the basics around their feed quality, but this just helps them do some more critical thinking, more analysis and fine tuning of their feeding programs, just to make sure you’re getting the most bang for your buck.”

Producers who want to learn more about the new feed testing tools can access the information at beefresearch.ca and search for feed testing.