Sample Lot

A lot is defined as feed stuffs taken from the sample cutting, at the same stage of maturity, the sample species and variety, the same field, mixer batch and sources of the feed stuff. Sample and analyze each "lot" separately.

Sampling Equipment

We recommend core sampling tube or probes only. They must be long enough to penetrate 12 to 18 inches into square bales and to the center core of large bales. They must have an internal diameter of at least ½ inch. All sampling devices must have sharpened tips to cut through a bale or package.

Quartering Method

Mix samples thoroughly. Pour it onto a large flat surface. Divide the sample into four equal parts. Save the 2 opposite quarters. Be sure to save the fine material at the bottom of the saved quarter. If the sample is still to large, divide the sample again.

Hay

Baled hay should be sampled with a hay probe. At least twenty bales from a lot should be randomly chosen and sampled; the more bales sampled, the more accurate you test will be for that lot. For square bales, insert the probe into the end of the bale at right angles to the surface. Round bales should be sampled by inserting the probe through the rounded side of the bale where the strings are, rather than the flat side. Use the quartering method to arrive at the proper sample size. Place all core samples in an airtight bag.

Silage

Horizontal Silo: Sample after the ensiling process is complete (3 to 4 weeks). Run silo unloader 2 to 4 minutes with silage forming a pile at base of silo. Take several handfuls from the top middle and bottom of the pile. Mix the samples together thoroughly and use the quartering method as previously stated to reduce the sample size. Place the sample in a plastic bag, exclude air and seal tightly. Ship sample promptly.

Pasture

Select 8 to 10 locations with similar moisture and fertility history. Remove the forage to a grazing height from a 1 foot square for area at each location. Chop the sample into 1 inch pieces. Use the quartering method to arrive at the proper sample size. Place in a plastic bag, exclude air and seal tightly. Ship sample promptly. Samples should be taken preferably on Monday’s or Thursday’s to arrive at lab on Tuesday’s and Friday’s.

Grains

Take two grab samples from the storage bin during two to three successive unloadings. High moisture products should be placed in a refrigerated airtight container between collections. After the final sample, mix all collected samples together in a pail and follow quartering procedures as previously stated. Place sample into an airtight zip lock bag. Ship sample promptly.

TMR’s

Samples of Total Mixed Rations, or TMR’s should be taken from the feed bunk before livestock have a chance to eat or sort the feed. Collect several samples from different parts of the bunk, mix together in a large pail, and follow quartering procedures as previously stated. Send a representative sample for analysis.

Particle Sizing

Fresh samples should be taken from the feed bunk before livestock have a chance to eat or sort the feed. Sampling should not be done directly from the storage area as mixing and distribution equipment may further reduce particle size and should be accounted for when evaluating the diet. Sub samples obtained from different parts of the bunk, mixed together in a large pail, will result in a more representative sample. Care should be taken not to shake the composite samples as the smaller particles will settle to the bottom of the pail. Fill a ½ gallon plastic bag with the composite sample (bag does not have to be overfilled). Bag should be sealed so that it is airtight. Sample should be stored in a cool place until sent to the lab.

Animal Waste (Manure)

Agitate liquid manure enough to suspend solids. For piles or dry lots, take sub samples from different areas and different depths of the manure pack. Remember the samples you submit should be representative of your pit contents, pile or feedlot. Sub samples from different tanks, trucks or spreaders, mixed together in a large pail will give you a better representative sample to submit to the laboratory. Do not fill the container to the top. Leave space for expansion. Place the sample container in the plastic zip lock bag and securely seal the mailing box. Refrigerate, freeze or keep samples in a cool place until shipment.

Water

For all samples, rinse the container two to three times with the water being collected unless preservative has been added to the container and is needed to maintain sample integrity. Separate any suspended matter from the sample by pouring it off or filtering. Completely fill the container, leaving just a small space for expansion of the liquid. Label the container with the necessary information. Refrigerate the samples and deliver as soon as possible to the lab for analysis.

Well Water

Pump the well for several minutes so the actual sample collected is from the groundwater source.

Tap Water

Run the tap fully open for 2 to 3 minutes before collecting the sample.

River Water

Take a grab samples from the middle of the main channel at mid-depth. Open the container below the surface to avoid collecting surface scum.

Lakes & Reservoirs

The collected sample will reflect local conditions such as rainfall, runoff and wind. Choose time, location and depth of collection depending on conditions and the purpose of sampling. Open the container below the surface to avoid collecting surface scum.

Milk

Vials with preservative are available from the lab. Milk with preservative will be stable for 7 to 10 days at 40^o to 75^o C. temperatures. Non preserved milk should be refrigerated immediately and transported to the lab within 24 hours.

Metered Milk

Mix metered milk according to manufacturers specification. Pour mixed milk in to clean leak proof container. Transport to lab promptly.

Bulk Tank

Agitate tank for 5 to 10 minutes. For a single sample dip out agitated sample into clean leak proof container. For duplicate sampling, dip out into a separate container enough milk for all samples to be run. Mix sub sampled milk and pour into clean leak proof container. Transport to lab promptly.

Individual Cow

Milk cow off line in fresh cow bucket. Mix milk in sealed bucket. Pour mixed milk into clean leak proof container. Transport to lab promptly. It is important to note that hand striping the milk from the cow will not produce an accurate test result. First milk is generally higher in protein while later milk is generally higher in fat. Somatic Cell Count also fluctuates during the milking process.