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Sampling Services

Analab specializes in lab services and general sample analysis. We are the only lab in the world maintaining LIVE artificial rumens used in digestibility studies. 

Analab provides the following services:

  • Specialized Lab Services
  • General Sample Analysis
  • IVDMD (Live Artificial Rumens)
  • NDFd-30 (CWD)
  • Lignin
  • Starch
  • Nitrates
  • Mycotoxins
  • Complete TMR Analysis
  • Protein Fractions
  • Fermentation Analysis (VFA and pH)
  • Fiber Analysis
  • Amino Acids
  • Water Analysis
  • Elemental Analysis via X-ray
  • Sugars
  • FAME’s

Submitting Forage Samples

Make sure that you are getting a good representation of your forage when collecting a sample. The best way to do this is to collect several small samples to make one big one. The sample you submit represents several tons of feed, so you want a good cross-section. If you send in one that represents the worst of your lot, you may end up overfeeding and increasing your costs. If it is only the best, then your livestock may not get the nutrients they need.  It is vital that you get a good representation of your forage sample.

Time is important when shipping your samples, so we recommend using a USPS Flat-Rate Priority Mail box or UPS. Both methods have tracking information and are able to tell you when delivery dates will be. If shipping from outside the continental United States, you may want to look into other methods.

We recommend shipping your forage sample in a quart-sized resealable bag. The list below will give you an idea of the size of the sample you may need, depending on the type of forage.

  • Corn Silage: 250g/9 oz
  • Grain/Grain Byproducts: 250g/9 oz
  • Hay: 250g/9 oz
  • Haylage: 250g/9 oz
  • Mixed Rations: 250g/9 oz

Sample Submission Form

To download a copy of the Analab sample submission form, click here.

Sampling Procedures

An analysis is only as good as the sample submitted. Taking a good representative sample of your feed is the first and most critical step of the analysis process. However, this step is often the most taken for granted. Following good sampling procedures will help ensure that your test results will truly reflect the nutrient composition of your sample and will be useful in developing your feeding program.

The key to submitting a good sample is to collect several subsamples to form a composite. Remember, the sample that you submit for analysis is going to represent several tons of feed. You want to be sure that it represents a good cross-section of the feed, not just one bale or bunker pile.

For more information on sampling procedures, please visit www.foragetesting.org.

GRAINS
Take 6 samples of 1 pound each from different areas, place in a large bucket, mix well, and take a 0.5-pound sample to send to Analab.

SILAGE
Upright silo – run loader long enough to obtain a representative sample of what is being fed; take several handfuls and place into clean container, mix and transfer 0.5 pounds to sample bag, press air out and send to Analab.

TRENCH
Sample face 6 inches deep at 5 locations, combine, mix and take a 0.5 pound sample to send to Analab – press air out in sample bag.

HAY
Take 8-12 core samples; mix and take a 0.5 pound sample for analysis.

MYCOTOXINS
Sample feed thoroughly, collect and send a 0.5 pound sample for analysis.

WATER
Use sterile bottle from Analab and follow the instructions on the bottle.
Note: All liquid samples need to be well mixed.

Please contact us prior to shipping your samples if you have any questions.

sample submission and procedures