How do you test hay for sugar content?

To test hay for sugar content, you can use a simple method involving a refractometer, which measures the sugar concentration in a liquid. First, extract juice from the hay by soaking it in water, then filter the liquid. Place a few drops of the filtered juice on the refractometer's prism and read the Brix value, which indicates the sugar content. Alternatively, laboratory tests can provide a more precise measurement of soluble carbohydrates in the hay.