UGA Extension Office

Forages

Cattle grazing in a field with large text reading Forages

More than 50 forage species can be grown in Georgia. This count includes a wide variety of both annual (live for one season) and perennial (live for multiple seasons) grasses and legumes. To obtain more information about forages best suited for your area and feeding system, visit our forage section.

Stressful growing conditions often result in high concentrations of nitrates in plant tissue. When feeding animal forages containing toxic levels of nitrates, poor productivity or death may occur. This publication summarizes the effect that high nitrates have on the animal, presents the conditions to expect in toxic concentrations of nitrates, and outlines strategies that could prevent or reduce the risk of nitrate toxicity.

The University of Georgia's Feed and Environmental Water Lab (FEW) performs analysis of feeds, forages, foods, feed ingredients, natural waters and industrial wastewater testing. There is no technique for assessing the nutritional value of your forage in a pasture or lot of hay or silage strictly on the basis of feel, texture, smell or appearance. The nutritional value of your forage can only be evaluated by obtaining a representative sample of the forage and subjecting that sample to analysis in a qualified laboratory. Call our office for more information on these test and cost. (706) 367-6344.