Forage testing is an ever-evolving industry. Whereas early forage testing results might only have had a half dozen tested parameters, today’s test is a plethora of metrics . . . and that’s just for basic test results.

Whereas there was once just neutral detergent fiber (NDF), we now have NDF, aNDF and aNDFom.

Whether you sell, buy or feed forage, a sound understanding of what is now a more complicated feed test is necessary to make the best use of forage and troubleshoot current or potential problems.

To sort through it all, a recent University of Wisconsin webinar presented by Randy Shaver, UW extension dairy scientist, helps explain the differences in the various tests, their meanings and how they can be used. The 40-minute video can be accessed by clicking on the image below.