Feeding & Testing

Forage Sampling Beef / Sheep / Horses
Forage Testing Animal Health Issues
Hay / Silage Additives Forage Inventory
Dairy Cows Feeding Decision Software
Dairy Heifers / Calves  


Forage Sampling

Forage Sampling Frequency as Influenced by Dairy Herd Size
A “Focus on Forage” Fact Sheet by Randy Shaver and Pat Hoffman (emeritus), UW Extension Dairy Scientists. and Paul Dyk, former Fond du Lac Co. UWEX Dairy and Livestock Agent

Sampling and Evaluating Total Mixed Rations
by Pat Hoffman (emeritus), UW Extension Dairy Scientist, Marshfield Ag Research Station.  A “Focus on Forage” Fact Sheet.

Sampling Hay, Silage, and Total Mixed Rations for Analysis
UW Extension Bulletin A2309

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Forage Testing

Influence of Ensiling on the Digestibility of Whole-Plant Corn Silage
A “Focus on Forage” Fact Sheet by Luis Ferraretto and Randy Shaver,UW Extension Dairy Scientist, and Joe Lauer, UW-Extension Corn Agronomist.

Making Sure Your Kernel Processor is Doing Its Job
A “Focus on Forage” fact sheet written by Kevin J. Shinners, UW-Madison Ag Engineer, and Brian Holmes (emeritus), UW Extension Ag Engineer

On-farm Moisture Testing of Corn Silage (Updated May, 2012)
by Dr. John Peters, former Director- UW Soil and Forage Testing Lab, Marshfield Ag Research Station.  A “Focus on Forage” fact sheet

Recommended Terminology and Units for Parameters Used in Lab Reports
From the National Forage Testing Association. Revised by Glenn Shewmaker, Tim Snyder, and Dan Undersander on 4/29/2009

Heat Damaged Forages: Effects on Forage Energy Content
by Wayne Coblentz, US Dairy Forage Research Center, Pat Hoffman (emeritus), UW Extension Dairy Scientist, and Dan Undersander, UW-Extension Forage Agronomist.  A “Focus on Forage” Fact Sheet.

Relative Forage Quality
A “Focus on Forage” fact sheet written by Dan Undersander, UW-Extension Forage Agronomist, John E. Moore, University of Florida, and Nick Schneider, former Winnebago Co. UWEX Agriculture Agent.

Benchmarking Forage Nutrient Composition and Digestibility
by Dr. Randy Shaver, UW Extension Dairy Scientist

Heat Damaged Forages: Effects on Forage Quality
by Wayne Coblentz, US Dairy Forage Research Center, and Pat Hoffman (emeritus), UW Extension Dairy Scientist.  A “Focus on Forage” Fact Sheet.

Effects of bale moisture and bale diameter on spontaneous heating, dry matter recovery, in vitro true digestibility, and in situ disappearance kinetics of alfalfa-orchardgrass hays
by Wayne Coblentz, US Dairy Forage Research Center, and Pat Hoffman (emeritus), UW Extension Dairy Scientist.

Effects of spontaneous heating on fiber composition, fiber digestibility, and in situ disappearance kinetics of neutral detergent fiber for alfalfa-orchardgrass hays
by Wayne Coblentz, US Dairy Forage Research Center, and Pat Hoffman (emeritus), UW Extension Dairy Scientist.

Sampling and Analytical Variation Associated with Evaluating Phosphorus in Forages and Total Mixed Rations
by Dr. John Peters, former Director- UW Soil and Forage Testing Lab, Marshfield Ag Research Station and Pat Hoffman (emeritus), UW Extension Dairy Scientist, Marshfield Ag Research Station.  A “Focus on Forage” fact sheet

Degree of Starch Access (DSA): Starch Digestion in Forages and Grains Fed to Dairy Cattle
by Pat Hoffman (emeritus) and Randy Shaver, UW Extension Dairy Scientists, A “Focus on Forage” Fact Sheet.

Measuring Forage Dry Matter with a Food Dehydrator
by David R. Mertens, USDA DFRC Scientist, Ken Bolton (emeritus), Jefferson Co. UW Extension Dairy Agent, and Matt Jorgensen, former Clark Co. UW Extension Dairy Agent

Evaluating Corn Silage Quality for Dairy Cattle
by Dr. Randy Shaver, UW Extension Dairy Scientist

Trends in Feed and Manure Phosphorus
by Dr. John Peters, former Director- UW Soil and Forage Testing Lab, Marshfield Ag Research Station.  A “Focus on Forage” fact sheet

Ash Content of Forages
by Pat Hoffman (emeritus), UW Extension Dairy Scientist, Marshfield Ag Research Station.  A “Focus on Forage” Fact Sheet.

Using NDF Digestibility in Ration Formulation
by Pat Hoffman (emeritus), UW Extension Dairy Scientist, Marshfield Ag Research Station and David Combs, UW Dairy Scientist.  A “Focus on Forage” Fact Sheet.
 Español version: Uso de la digestibilidad del FDN en la Formulación de Raciones

Development of a Novel System to Estimate Protein Degradability in Legume and Grass Silages
by Pat Hoffman (emeritus), UW Extension Dairy Scientist, Marshfield Ag Research Station

Understanding and Using Forage Test Results
by Pat Hoffman (emeritus), UW Extension Dairy Scientist, Marshfield Ag Research Station Paper presented at the 2004 4-State Dairy Management Seminar

A Quick Guide to Understanding Forage Test Results
by Pat Hoffman (emeritus), UW Extension Dairy Scientist, Marshfield Ag Research Stationand Dr. Randy Shaver, UW Extension Dairy Scientist.  A “Focus on Forage” Fact Sheet.

Sampling and Evaluating Total Mixed Rations
by Pat Hoffman (emeritus), UW Extension Dairy Scientist, Marshfield Ag Research Station.  A “Focus on Forage” Fact Sheet.

NDF Digestibility: Reference Values for Forages, Byproducts and Total Mixed Rations
by Pat Hoffman (emeritus), UW Extension Dairy Scientist, Marshfield Ag Research Station, et al.  A “Focus on Forage” Fact Sheet.

In vitro NDF Digestibility of Forages: The 30 vs 48 hr debate
by Pat Hoffman (emeritus), UW Extension Dairy Scientist, Marshfield Ag Research Station, et al.  A “Focus on Forage” Fact Sheet.
Español version:  Digestibilidad in vitro del FDN (fibra detergente neutro): El debate de 30 vs 48 horas

The Effect of Maturity on NDF Digestibility
by Pat Hoffman (emeritus), UW Extension Dairy Scientist, Marshfield Ag Research Station, et al.  A “Focus on Forage” Fact Sheet.
Español version:  El Efecto de la Madurez en la Digestibilidad del FDN (Fibra Detergente Neutro)

Comparison of  Relative Forage Quality (RFQ) to Relative Feed Value (RFV)
by Dan Undersander, UW-Extension Forage Agronomist

Potassium in Forages
A “Focus on Forage” fact sheet written by Keith Kelling, John Peters, Mike Rankin, and Dan Undersander.  UW-Extension

Estimating Silage Energy and Milk Yield to Rank Corn Hybrids
by Dr. Randy Shaver, UW Extension Dairy Scientist et al.

Understanding NDF Digestibility of Forages
by Pat Hoffman (emeritus), UW Extension Dairy Scientist, Marshfield Ag Research Station, et al.  A “Focus on Forage” Fact Sheet.

Enhanced Forage Evaluation: NDF Digestibility
by Scott Reuss, Marinette Co. Agricultural Agent

Interpretation and Use of Silage Fermentation Analysis Reports
by Limin Kung, University of Delaware, and Randy Shaver, UW Extension Dairy Scientist.  A “Focus on Forage” fact sheet.

Making Forage Analysis Work for You in Balancing Livestock Rations and Marketing Hay
UW Extension Bulletin A3325

Digestion Kinetics of Forages
by Dr. Dave Combs, Dairy Scientist, UW-Madison

Short Communication: A Novel System to Estimate Protein Degradability in Legume and Grass Hays
by Pat Hoffman (emeritus), UW Extension Dairy Scientist, Marshfield Ag Research Station

Variability of Bypass Protein in Forages
by Pat Hoffman (emeritus), UW Extension Dairy Scientist, Marshfield Ag Research Station

Estimating Alfalfa RFV in the Field Using PEAQ
the PEAQ system was developed by agronomists at the University of Wisconsin-Madison

Nitrate Poisoning in Cattle, Sheep and Goats
Written by several UW-Extension Forage and Animal Specialists

Legume/Grass and Legume/Mixed Hay Ash Numbers 2014–2016

Understanding Forage Quality
by D. Ball, M. Collins, G. Lacefield, N. Martin, D. Mertens, K. Olson, D. Putnam, D. Undersander, and M. Wolf

Diurnal Cycling in Forage Quality
by H.F. Mayland and Glenn E. Shewmaker, USDA-ARS

Diurnal Variation in Forage Quality Affects Animal Preference and Production
by H.F. Mayland, G.E. Shewmaker, D.S. Fisher, and J.C. Burns, USDA-ARS

Relative Forage Quality – Indexing Legumes and Grasses for Forage Quality
by Dan Undersander, University of Wisconsin, and John E. Moore, University of Florida

Comparing Relative Forage Quality (RFQ) to Relative Feed Value (RFV) at World Dairy Expo
by Dan Undersander, UW Extension Forage Agronomist

Using Digestible NDF to Determine Forage Quality
ppt by Dr. Dan Undersander, UW Extension Forage Agronomist

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Hay and Silage Additives

Lime-treated corn stover: How to do it and its feed value
Online ppt presentation by Dave Combs, UW Madison Dairy Scientist

Inoculating High Moisture Corn (updated)
by Pat Hoffman (emeritus), UW Extension Dairy Scientist, Marshfield Ag Research Station and Richard Muck, USDA Dairy Forage Research Center.  A “Focus on Forage” fact sheet.

Inoculant Effects on Alfalfa Silage: Fermentation Products and Nutritive Value
by Dr. Richard Muck, USDA Dairy-Forage Research Center, et al.

Inoculant Effects on Alfalfa Silage: In Vitro Gas and Volatile Fatty Acid Production
by Dr. Richard Muck, USDA Dairy-Forage Research Center, et al.

Silage inoculants: What the research tells us about when and how to use them
by Dr. Richard Muck, USDA Dairy-Forage Research Center. A Fact Sheet describing the effects of silage inoculants under various management and conditions.

Microbial Inoculants for Silage
by Francisco Contreras-Govea, former UW Agronomy Research Associate, and Dr. Richard Muck, USDA Dairy-Forage Research Center. A “Focus on Forage” fact sheet.
Español version: Inoculantes Microbiales para ensilaje

Effects of Corn Silage Inoculants on Aerobic Stability
Written by Dr. Richard Muck, USDA Dairy Forage Research Center

Lactobacillus buchneri for Silage Aerobic Stability
by David Combs and Pat Hoffman (emeritus), UW Dairy Scientists. A “Focus on Forage” fact sheet.

Anhydrous Ammonia for Legume-Grass Silage
by Dr. Randy Shaver, UW Extension Dairy Scientist.  A “Focus on Forage” fact sheet.

Adding Enzymes to Silage
by Pat Hoffman (emeritus), UW Extension Dairy Scientist, Marshfield Ag Research Station and Richard Muck, USDA Dairy Forage Research Center.  A “Focus on Forage” fact sheet.

Adding Urea to Corn Silage
by Pat Hoffman (emeritus), UW Extension Dairy Scientist, Marshfield Ag Research Station.  A “Focus on Forage” fact sheet.

Common Sense About Odor
by Robert Mikesell, Robert Meinen, and Ken Kephart, Dept. of Animal Science and Agriculture, Penn State

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Dairy Cows

Update on Corn Shredlage for Dairy Cows
A “Focus on Forage” Fact Sheet by L Vanderwerff,  L. Ferraretto, G. Salvati and R. Shaver, Dept. of Dairy Science, UW Madison

Corn Silage Processing: Dairy Farm Survey
by G. Salvati, R. Shaver, M. Lippert, E. Ronk, and C. Wacek-Driver

Update on Starch Utilization by Dairy Cows
by Randy Shaver, UW-Extension Dairy Scientist

Alkali–treated Corn Stover for Ruminants: Research Update
by Dave Combs, UW Madison Dairy Scientist

Feeding Strategies When Forage Supplies Are Short
by Randy Shaver, UW-Extension Dairy Scientist

2012 Drought: A Dairy Cattle Nutrition Perspective | Paper | Presentation |
by Randy Shaver, UW-Extension Dairy Scientist

Lime-treated corn stover: How to do it and its feed value
by Dave Combs, UW Madison Dairy Scientist

Opportunities to Improve Starch Digestibility on Dairy Farms
by Abby Huibregtse-former Oconto County Agriculture Agent, Randy Shaver and Patrick Hoffman (emeritus), UW-Extension Dairy Scientists.

Utilizing Corn Stalk Residues for Dairy Cattle
Written by Pat Hoffman (emeritus), UW-Extension Dairy Scientist, et al.

Corn Shredlage for Dairy Cows
A “Focus on Forage” Fact Sheet by Luis Ferraretto and Randy Shaver,UW Extension Dairy Scientist

Results of UW-Madison Corn Shredlage Feeding Trial
by Luis Ferraretto and Randy Shaver,UW Extension Dairy Scientist

Results of UW-Madison Corn Snaplage Feeding Trial
by Matt Akins, UW-Platteville, Randy Shaver, UW-Extension Dairy Scientist, and Matt Digman, former US Dairy Forage Research Center

Feed GrainV2.0 – Background and Development Guide
Feed Grain Evaluation for Lactating Dairy Cows

Feed Grain V2.0 Evaluation System Spreadsheet
by P.C. Hoffman (emeritus), R.D. Shaver and D.R. Mertens: Department of Dairy Science, UW-Madison/UW-Extension

Grass Forages and Magnesium Status of Dairy Cattle
by Pat Hoffman (emeritus), UW Extension Dairy Scientist and John Peters, UW Extension Soil Scientist.  A “Focus on Forage” Fact Sheet.

Diets Fed in Selected Wisconsin High-Producing Dairy Herds
Spreadsheet summary
by Dr. Randy Shaver, UW Extension Dairy Scientist.

Fall Forage Rye for Dairy Heifers and Dry Cows
A “Focus on Forage” Fact Sheet by Zen Miller, Outagamie Co. UWEX Dairy/Livestock Agent, Mike Bertram, Superintendent – Arlington ARS, and Pat Hoffman (emeritus), UW Extension Dairy Scientist.

Use of Straw in Dairy Cattle Diets
A “Focus on Forage” Fact Sheet by Randy Shaver and Pat Hoffman (emeritus), UW Extension Dairy Scientists.

Coping with High Corn Prices: Low Starch Diets and Lactation Performance by Dairy Cows
by Dr. Randy Shaver, UW Extension Dairy Scientist 

Degree of Starch Access (DSA): Starch Digestion in Forages and Grains Fed to Dairy Cattle
by Pat Hoffman and Randy Shaver, UW Extension Dairy Scientists, A “Focus on Forage” Fact Sheet.

Effects of forage species on milk protein production by lactating dairy cows
by Pat Hoffman, UW Extension Dairy Scientist, Marshfield Ag Research Station

Role of Forages in Dairy Cattle Diets
Presentation by Dr. Randy Shaver, UW Extension Dairy Scientist 

Calculating Grain Yield Utilizing a Corn Silage Forage Test
by Matt Lippert, Wood County UW-Extension Agriculture Agent

Brown Midrib Corn Silage for Lactating Dairy Cows: A Contemporary Review
by Hidir Gencoglu, Randy Shaver and Joe Lauer, Departments of Dairy Science and Agronomy, UW-Madison

Corn Silage Hybrid Effects on Intake, Digestion, and Milk Production by Dairy Cows
by Dr. Randy Shaver, UW Extension Dairy Scientist, et al. 

Nutrient Composition of Straw Used in Dairy Cattle Diets
by Tom Anderson, former Shawano Co. Agricultural Agent, and Pat Hoffman (emeritus), UW Extension Dairy Scientist.  A “Focus on Forage” Fact Sheet.

Using NDF Digestibility in Ration Formulation
by Pat Hoffman (emeritus), UW Extension Dairy Scientist, Marshfield Ag Research Station and David Combs, UW Dairy Scientist.  A “Focus on Forage” Fact Sheet.

Crop Processing and Chop Length of Corn Silage: Effects on Intake, Digestion, and Milk Production by Dairy Cows
by Dr. Randy Shaver, UW Extension Dairy Scientist, et al. 

Influence of Mechanical Processing on Utilization of Corn Silage by Lactating Dairy Cows
by Dr. Randy Shaver, UW Extension Dairy Scientist, et al. 

Processing and Chop Length Effects in Brown-Midrib Corn Silage on Intake, Digestion, and Milk Production by Dairy Cows
by Dr. Randy Shaver, UW Extension Dairy Scientist, et al. 

Stage of maturity, processing, and hybrid effects on ruminal in situ disappearance of whole-plant corn silage
by Dr. Randy Shaver, UW Extension Dairy Scientist, et al. 

Benchmarking High Producing Dairy Herds
by Dr. Randy Shaver and Robert Kaiser, UW Extension Dairy Scientists

Impact of NDF Digestibility on Energy Content of Forages and Dairy Rations
by Pat Hoffman (emeritus), UW Extension Dairy Scientist, Marshfield Ag Research Station

Intake and milk production of cows fed diets that differed in dietary neutral detergent fiber and neutral detergent fiber digestibility
by Pat Hoffman (emeritus), UW Extension Dairy Scientist, Marshfield Ag Research Station

Performance of Lactating Dairy Cows Fed Alfalfa Silage or Perennial Ryegrass Silage
by Pat Hoffman (emeritus), UW Extension Dairy Scientist, Marshfield Ag Research Station

Performance of Lactating Dairy Cows Fed Red Clover or Alfalfa Silage
by Pat Hoffman (emeritus), UW Extension Dairy Scientist, Marshfield Ag Research Station

 

Feeding Strategies When Alfalfa Supplies are Short
A “Focus on Forage” fact sheet written by Randy Shaver, UW-Extension Dairy Scientist

Coping with Short Alfalfa Supplies
by Dr. Randy Shaver, UW Extension Dairy Scientist

Effect of Corn Shredlage on Lactation Performance and Total Starch Digestibility by Dairy Cows
by L.F. Ferraretto and R.D. Shaver, Department of Dairy Science, University of Wisconsin-Madison

Impact of the Maturity of Corn for Use as Silage in the Diets of Dairy Cows on Intake, Digestion, and Milk Production
by Dr. Randy Shaver, UW Extension Dairy Scientist, et al. 

Improved Nutritive Value of Kura Clover- and Birdsfoot Trefoil-Grass Mixtures Compared with Grass Monocultures
by Dr. Randy Shaver, UW Extension Dairy Scientist and Dr. Ken Albrecht, UW Forage Agronomist

Red Clover Forages for Lactating Dairy Cows
by Pat Hoffman (emeritus), UW-Extension Dairy Scientist, and Glen Broderick, USDA Dairy Forage Resource Center.  A “Focus on Forage” fact sheet.

Strategies to improve milk yield of lactating dairy cows fed red clover silage
by P.C. Hoffman and L.M. Bauman, Department of Dairy Science, UW Madison

Feeding to Minimize Acidosis and Laminitis in Dairy Cows
by Dr. Randy Shaver, UW Extension Dairy Scientist 

Supplementation of High Corn Silage Diets for Dairy Cows
by Dr. Randy Shaver, UW Extension Dairy Scientist

Contract Feed Production Arrangements
by Joe Stellato, former Shawano County Crops and Soils Agent

Improving Forage and TMR Bunk Life
by Jim Leverich, UW-Extension Research Specialist, and Dr. Randy Shaver, UW Extension Dairy Scientist. A “Focus on Forage” fact sheet.

Corn Silage Harvest Management
by Dr. Randy Shaver, UW Extension Dairy Scientist, Dr. Joe Lauer, UW Extension Agronomist and Dr. Kevin Shinners, UW Ag Engineer

Using Digestible NDF to Determine Forage Quality
ppt by Dr. Dan Undersander, UW Extension Forage Agronomist

Cutting Alfalfa Very Frequently
by Dan Undersander, UW-Extension Forage Agronomist

Alfalfa and Grass Mixtures in Dairy Rations
by Dr. Dan Undersander, UW Extension Forage Agronomist

Alfalfa-Grass Mixtures
ppt presentation by Dan Undersander, UW Extension and Research Forage Agronomist

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Dairy Heifers and Calves

Fall Forage Rye for Dairy Heifers and Dry Cows
A “Focus on Forage” Fact Sheet by Zen Miller, Outagamie Co. UWEX Dairy/Livestock Agent, Mike Bertram, Superintendent – Marshfield ARS, and Pat Hoffman, UW Extension Dairy Scientist.

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Beef, Sheep, and Horses

Alkali–treated Corn Stover for Ruminants: Research Update
by Dave Combs, UW Madison Dairy Scientist

Estimating Winter Hay Needs for Beef Cattle
Developed by Bill Halfman, Monroe County Agricultural Agent, this spreadsheet helps to estimate winter hay needs based on inventory, feed loss, and livestock numbers.

Stocker Enterprise Budgets for Grass-Based Systems
UW Extension Bulletin A3718

Rations for Beef Cattle
UW Extension Bulletin A2387

Managing Holstein Steers for Beef Production
UW Extension Bulletin A3659

Buying Horse Hay
UW Extension Bulletin A3772

Pastures for Horses
UW Extension Bulletin A3680

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Animal Health Issues

Common Poisonous Plants of Concern for Wisconsin’s Livestock  
Anders Gurda, research assistant, and Mark Renz, UW-Extension weed scientist, UW-Madison

Grass Forages and Magnesium Status of Dairy Cattle
by Pat Hoffman (emeritus), UW Extension Dairy Scientist and John Peters (retired), UW Extension Soil Scientist.  A “Focus on Forage” Fact Sheet.

Moldy Hay for Horses
by Dan Undersander, UW-Extension Forage Agronomist, et al.

Potassium in Forages
A “Focus on Forage” fact sheet written by Keith Kelling (emeritus), John Peters (retired), Mike Rankin, and Dan Undersander.  UW-Extension

Forage Feeding and Biosecurity Issues for Cattle
by Sheila McGuirk, DVM, UW-Madison School of Veterinary Medicine

Agronomic Considerations for Molds and Mycotoxins in Corn Silage
by Mike Rankin, Crops and Soils Agent, UW-Extension-Fond du Lac County and Craig Grau (emeritus), Extension Plant Pathologist – UW Madison. A “Focus on Forage” fact sheet. For full length, referenced paper: click here

Causes and Prevention of DA’s in Dairy Cows
A MS Power Point presentation by Dr. Randy Shaver, UW Extension Dairy Scientist

Bloat
Dr. Dan Undersander, UWEX Agronomy Advice, April 1993

Nitrate Poisoning in Cattle, Sheep and Goats
Written by several UW-Extension Forage and Animal Specialists

Forage Quality of First Cutting Due to Wet Spring
by Dr. Dan Undersander, UW Extension Forage Agronomist

Understanding and Reducing Mold Growth in Hay
by S. Ray Smith, University of Manitoba

Mycotoxin Effects on Dairy Cattle
by Bill Seglar, Nutritional Sciences Manager, Pioneer Hi-Bred, Intl., Inc.

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Forage Inventory

Making a Feed Inventory
A “Focus on Forage” fact sheet written by Brian Holmes, UW-Extension Ag Engineer

Silage Pile Capacity Calculator w/ metric and Espanol
This spreadsheet, developed by Dr. Brian Holmes (emeritus), is designed to help producers determine the amount of silage in an existing silage pile. Now includes Spanish translation and Metric conversions.

Silage Pile Density Calculator (in English and Espanol) 
Documentation 
This spreadsheet, developed by Dr. Brian Holmes (emeritus) and Dr. Richard Muck, is designed to help producers determine the average density of a silage pile. Works for both English and Metric units and includes a Spanish (espanol) translated option.  Porosity now included as a factor.

Bunker Silo Volume and Weight Calculator
This spreadsheet, developed by Dr. Brian Holmes (emeritus), is designed to calculate the volume and weight (dry and wet) of silage stored in a bunker silo.

Bunker Silo Density Calculator (in English, Espanol, and Russian)
Hungarian Version
Documentation  
This spreadsheet, developed by Drs. Brian Holmes (emeritus) and Richard Muck is designed to help producers estimate bunker silo densities. Works for both English and Metric units and the new version includes a Spanish (espanol) translated option.  Porosity now included as a factor.

Bunker Silo Sizing Spreadsheet w/ metric, Portuguese, and Russian
Documentation – 
Hungarian Translation of Spreadsheet
This spreadsheet, developed by Dr. Brian Holmes (emeritus), will  help design bunker silos with nearly vertical walls.

Silage Bag Capacity Calculator
This spreadsheet, developed by Dr. Brian Holmes (emeritus), is designed to help producers estimate the quantity of forage in a bag silo.

Storage Density Calculator
Documentation 
This spreadsheet, developed by Dr. Brian Holmes (emeritus), was developed to estimate the average density of forage in selected storage units based on the weight of feed removed and the calculated volume of that feed.

Tower Silo Capacity Calculator
This spreadsheet, developed by Dr. Brian Holmes (emeritus), is designed to help estimate the tons of silage in a tower silo. Calculations are presented on a dry matter and as fed basis.

Tower Silo Capacity Calculator – Multiple Fills
This spreadsheet, developed by Dr. Brian Holmes (emeritus), is designed to help estimate the tons of silage in a tower silo when the silo is refilled before being emptied. Calculations are presented on a dry matter and as fed basis.

Grain Bin Capacity Calculator
This spreadsheet, developed by Dr. Sam G. McNeill, P.E. and University of Kentucky Extension Agricultural Engineer, and modified by Dr. Brian Holmes (emeritus), estimates the amount of grain in various sized circular grain bins.

Estimating Winter Hay Needs for Beef Cattle
Developed by Bill Halfman, Monroe County Agricultural Agent, this spreadsheet helps to estimate winter hay needs based on inventory, feed loss, and livestock numbers.

Silage Bag Capacity
by Dr. Brian Holmes (emeritus), UW Biological Systems Engineering Dept.

Choosing Forage Storage Facilities
by Dr. Brian Holmes (emeritus), UW Biological Systems Engineering Dept.

Density and Losses in Pressed Bag Silos
by Drs. Brian Holmes (emeritus) and Richard Muck

Paying for Unexpected Feed Expenses
A “Focus on Forage” fact sheet written by Tom Anderson, former Shawano Co. Agricultural Agent

Managing Dairy Feed Inventory
UW Extension Bulletin A2945

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Decision Software

FeedVal – 2017
by Victor Cabrera, Lou Armentano and Randy Shaver, UW-Madison dairy scientists. This updated version of FeedVal is web based and allows the user to evaluate various feedstuffs based on summative ingredient value.

Milk2006 for Corn Silage
This spreadsheet, developed by Dr. Randy Shaver, Dr. Joe Lauer, Dr. Jim Coors (emeritus), and Pat Hoffman (emeritus), is the latest version of the “MILK” series spreadsheets.  It more accurately estimates the feeding value of corn silage than past versions.

Milk2016 (ALFALFA-GRASS): Index Combining Yield and Quality
This article serves as an introduction to the development and usage of the MILK2016 spreadsheet (for alfalfa and grass).

Milk2016 for Alfalfa and Grass
This spreadsheet, developed by Dan Undersander, Dave Combs and Randy Shaver, is the latest version of the “MILK” series spreadsheets.  It more accurately estimates the feeding value of alfalfa and grass than past versions.

Forage Land-Base Calculator
This spreadsheet, developed by Greg Blonde, Waupaca County Agricultural Agent, estimates the number of acres of corn silage or alfalfa needed for the dairy herd.

FeedVal v6.0
Predicted dairy feed prices and rankings for January 2016 – Calculated from protein (RUP & RDP),  energy contained in milk produced (NEL), fiber (peNDF), and general wholesale FOB Midwest input prices. Analysis performed by V.E. Cabrera, P. Hoffman and R. Shaver. 

Determining Pasture Needs
A spreadsheet to help evaluate pasture resource needs based on animal numbers

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