One of the biggest opportunities to boost herd performance comes from increasing the frequency of forage testing. Consistent rations that optimise rumen function are the key to maximising feed efficiency, milk from forage and overall herd profitability. Yet despite the major negative impact any variation in silage quality can have on rumen fermentation efficiency, regular silage analysis is often seen as a low priority. This is often due to the traditionally slow turnaround times when silage samples are sent off for laboratory analysis. The cost and hassle of regular sampling and testing can also be a barrier And it’s now become a realistic option for feed to milk consultant to adopt a new NIR (Near Infrared Reflectance) technology that allows real-time, on-farm analysis of forage samples. Most silages are typically only checked once or twice each season.The latest data shows that key parameters like dry matter (DM) can differ by as much as 10% from the top to the bottom of the silo, and by as much as 8% from middle to the sides. With similar changes seen when moving back through a bunk, the potential impact on overall milk output – and profitability – is huge. In a herd averaging 30 litre/day, for example, even a 2.5% reduction in silage dry matter from one day to the next can alter nutrient supply enough to cut daily yields by 2 litres/cow!