Hay Testing

The summer is winding down and we are all starting to think about Autumn and Winter Preparations. Every fall, The Mill offers complimentary Hay Testing. This year we WILL still be offering the hay testing service but will be executing it little differently to ensure safety and COVID regulation compliance.
Hay Testing Options

Complimentary Hay Testing - (only available predetermined dates in the fall)
Lab Analyzed Hay Testing - (available year round, minimum $30 charge)

Differences in Hay Testing Options
Complimentary Hay Testing (only available predetermined dates in the fall):
A broad overview of the hay to give a baseline in balancing a horse’s diet

Offered in house at The Mill
Customers will need to:
- Call either Michelle Jennings or Kelley Nash to arrange for testing
  - Michelle Jennings (410-952-4681)
  - Kelley Nash (443-981-1352)
- You will be instructed to bring a quart sized, Ziplock bag sample of your hay to The Mill store nearest you on a specific day, as arranged by your conversation with Michelle or Kelley
Results, typically, within a week
Complimentary = No Charge 😊
Results include:
- Crude Protein – A very important number to know that is used in balancing the protein aspect of a horses’ diet
- ADF – (Acid Detergent Fiber) Reveals the DIGESTIBILITY of the hay. Example: Of the hay that the horse actually consumes, what percentage of that hay is the horse able to digest
- NDF – (Neutral Detergent Fiber) Reveals the CONSUMABILITY of the hay. Example: What percentage of the hay is the horse most likely to eat
- Equine Digestibility Fiber or kcal/lb – (Digestible Energy) Another very important number to know that is used to balance the calorie aspect of a horses’ diet

Lab Analyzed Hay Testing (available year round, minimum $30 charge): A detailed analysis of the hay for more finetuned and specific diet balancing. Highly recommended if managing horses with metabolic conditions.

One of our Equine Specialists will come to your farm and core several bales of hay
Samples are sent to an outside laboratory for analysis
Results, typically, within 2 weeks
$30
Results include:
- Crude Protein
- ADF
- NDF
- Digestible Energy
- Complete breakdown of the micronutrients
  - Calcium
  - Phosphorus
  - Magnesium
  - Potassium
  - Sodium
  - Iron
  - Zinc
  - Copper
  - Manganese
  - Molybdenum
- Nonstructural Carbohydrates – Sugars and Starches are VERY important to be aware of and to manage, especially for horses with metabolic issues or are prone to tying up.

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