Sampling of Large Round and Large Square Bales

Four hay probes were used to sample four lots of hay. The lots of hay were as follows: alfalfa large round bales, alfalfa large square bales, alfalfa-grass mix large round bales, and alfalfa-grass mix large square bales. Probes used were as follows: E-Z Probe, John Skogberg handcrafted probe, Utah Hay Sampler, and Frontier Mills probe. Six bales from each lot were sampled. Dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), acid detergent fiber (ADF), and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) percentages and relative feed value (RFV) were predicted by near infrared reflectance spectroscopy. Bale variation within hay type was much greater than probe variation. Bale variation was significant for all measurements except DM. Probe type only affected NDF% and RFV