Sample Submission Guidelines

• Complete the appropriate Sample Submission Form based on sample type

• Provide all information requested
• Ensure each sample submitted is uniquely identified
• Estimated sample turn around time is 7 - 10 working days but is dependent on number of samples submitted and the current laboratory sample backlog

 

Sample Size

• Hay/Straw/Other Feedstuffs: gallon Ziploc bag ~ 3/4 full
• Haylage/Silage: gallon Ziploc bag ~ 3/4 full
• Grain: gallon Ziploc bag ~ 1/2 full 
• Commercial Feed:
  • Dry Feed: gallon Ziploc bag ~ 3/4 full
  • Liquid Feed: plastic 250mL bottle ~ 3/4 full
• Commercial Fertilizer:
  • Dry Fertilizer: gallon Ziploc bag ~ 1/2 full
  • Liquid Fertilizer: plastic 250mL bottle ~3/4 full
• Water (Livestock Only): ~ 1 to 2 quarts preferable non-glass container
• Other: Contact the laboratory for instructions

 

Sampling Procedure

• Hay/Straw/Other Feedstuffs:
  • Do not pull up plants by their roots and do not include soil in the sample.
  • Cut standing plants to obtain the same portion as would be harvested (or eaten).
  • Field: walk the field in a "W" pattern & take a sample at each point of the W.
  • Hay bales/stacks: Probe. Do not mix different types or cuttings of forage.  Take as many cores as possible, at least twenty per stack, more for larger or dissimilar lots.
• Haylage/Silage: collect several grab samples to ensure a representative sample is obtained
• Grain: use a large grain probe
• Commercial Feed: 
  • Collect a representative portion of the sample 
  • Mix liquid feeds in the storage tank before sampling
• Commercial Fertilizer:
  • Collect a representative portion of the sample 
  • Mix liquid fertilizers in the storage tank before sampling
• Other: Contact laboratory for instructions

 

Shipping

• We do not accept samples that contain mold

• Refrigerate water samples prior to shipping
• Use care when packaging to ensure no damage occurs during shipment
• Ship Monday - Thursday so that samples arrive on a weekday
• DO NOT SHIP ON FRIDAY OR DURING A HOLIDAY

• Hay/Straw/Other Feedstuffs:
  • Ship wet sample(s) in a plastic bag & add "blue ice" packs to prevent spoilage.
• Haylage/Silage:
  • Ship in airtight containers (well-sealed double plastic bag or plastic jar).
  • To prevent loss of components and spoilage, freeze samples and pack with "blue ice" packs.  Use a container with flexible sides and do not fill completely full.
• All Liquid Type Samples (i.e. water; liquid feed): double bag container to prevent leaking during shipment