SAMPLING INSTRUCTIONS
Sample Collection: FeedTest will provide an accurate analysis of your sample however, it is vital that the sample is representative of the feed being tested, especially for hay and silage which can be highly variable. Thoroughly mix core samples together and, if required, sub divide until the desired amount is reached (refer to zip lock bag). Samples should not exceed 500g. For hay and silage the sample must be taken from the same "lot".
A "lot" can be defined as the following: Same stage of maturity. Same species (pure or mixed). Same variety. Same paddock. Harvested within a 48 hour period.
Other factors affecting the definition of a "lot" also include: Rain damage. Weed content. Soil type. Treatment after cutting. Storage methods.
A "lot" of baled hay or cubes should not exceed 200 tonnes. Sampling Hay: As hay and silage can be quite variable we recommend that a hay sampling probe or corer is used to acquire samples.
Made from 32mm steel tubing and approximately 450mm in length, the corer can be attached to an electric drill or hand brace. The scalloped cutting edge must be kept sharp. Each sample should consist of cores taken at random from at least 10 conventional square bales, with each core taken from the "butt" end of a bale. Alternatively, take one core from each side of at least five large round or square bales. Thoroughly mix core samples together and sub divide until the desired amount is reached. Samples should not exceed 500g.
Subdividing: Subdividing is used to obtain a representative sample of appropriate size for submitting. Mix together the collected feed material (or cores) thoroughly ensuring the mix is homogenous. Quarter the sample pile so that there are four smaller piles of approximately the same size. Remove two diagonally opposite piles. Gather the two remaining piles and mix. Quarter the pile again and discard two quarters from the opposite positions to the ones previously taken. Continue the quartering and discarding process until the sample size is no more than 500 grams.
Sampling Silage: Sample by hand from 10-20 spots across a freshly cut face of the stack, mix thoroughly and sub-sample to yield a total amount not exceeding 500g. A hay corer may also be used (see hay sampling instructions).
Sampling Pasture: Walk through the paddock at random. Cut a sample to ground level with hand shears from near the toe of your right boot every 10 steps. Avoid including soil or dung in the sample. Ensure that an area of the same size is cut each time (approximately 6cm x 6cm) and that samples are taken from at least 15 locations in the paddock. Combine the samples, mix thoroughly and, if required, subsample to obtain a portion for submission not exceeding 500g.
IMPORTANT Silage and fresh pasture samples are perishable. In order to minimise chemical changes after collection, they must be refrigerated or frozen unless they can reach the laboratory on the same day or within a couple of days from when they were collected. This is particularly important during hot weather. Avoid mail delays over the weekend by posting these samples at the beginning of the week.
Sampling Grains, Pellets and Mixed Feeds: Select several sub samples from different locations or bags which make up the complete lot. Thoroughly mix the sub-samples to obtain a final quantity not exceeding 500g.
Sampling Material for Mould Counts/Identification: Refer to the procedure for sampling hay for the submission of feeds for mould counts/identification. It is important that samples are express posted due to the continual growth and reproduction of spores. Freeze the sample as soon as it is collected and post frozen. Send sample early in the week to avoid delays over the weekend. Aim to have the sample to the laboratory within 5 days of collection. Contact us to discuss rapid freight options.
Sampling Material For Perennial Ryegrass Alkaloid Levels (Mycotoxins): Choose a zigzag pattern across the paddock that will result in a representative cross-section of the pasture. Avoid sampling near or on tracks, camps or under trees. Approximately 20 samplings are required per paddock. Begin sampling some 20 paces from the gate and away from any tracks. Select only Perennial Ryegrass. Sample when plants are free of surface moisture, cut the plant off whole at ground level. Include any dead material that is part of the plant. Take care to ensure samples are free of dirt. Each sample should be similar in size. Place all 20 samples into a ziplock bag. The minimum size of the combined samples should be 100 grams fresh weight.
