Below are instructions on how to take a sample. Ideally, samples should be sent for analysis as soon as they have been packaged. If samples cannot be posted immediately, please store them in a refrigerator until they can be to prevent degradation.
Grains, Pellets and Other Dry Feeds
- Place a handful of feed in to a clean bucket.
- Repeat this 9 more times, taking feed from several areas.
- Mix the feed in the bucket for approximately 10 seconds.
- Place approximately 200 g of feed into a clear sealable bag. Remove as much air as possible and seal. If possible, vacuum seal the bag.
- Label the bag with the sample reference and a description. Eg. Wheat Grains.
- Place this bag into a shipping envelope or box.
- Dispatch the sample as soon as possible for analysis.
Silage, TMR, and other Forage
- Place a handful of forage in to a clean bucket.
- Repeat this 9 more times, taking material from across the whole face of the clamp, or along the length of a conveyer if feeding out of a silo.
- Mix the feed in the bucket for approximately 10 seconds.
- Place approximately 500 g of feed into a clear sealable bag. Remove as much air as possible and seal. If possible, vacuum seal the bag.
- Label the bag with the sample reference and a description. Eg. Maize Silage.
- Place this bag into a shipping envelope or box.
- Dispatch the sample as soon as possible for analysis.
Liquid Feed Samples
- It is important that any sample is representative of the whole batch, and should ideally be taken from the point at which it is fed to animals. Liquid feed samples should be taken as follows:
- Use a sealable container that can hold approximately 500 mL.
- If possible, take a sample of the feed from several different feeding locations.
- Fill the container to at least 3/4 full.
- Ensure the container is well sealed.
- If the sample is not going to be immediately sent for analysis, store it in a refrigerator to prevent fermentation and degradation.
- Package the container securely in a box that will protect it from damage.
- Send to our laboratory along with a sample submission form. If multiple samples are being sent in the same order, please make sure the different containers are labelled with the same reference(s) on the submission form.
- Avoid sending samples over a weekend to prevent degradation. Liquid samples are prone to fermentation during storage so packages should be sent on a next-day service where possible.
Please send all samples to the following address:
Mycocheck
Volac International
12 Aberafon Road
Port Talbot
SA12 7DJ
United Kingdom
To download submission forms, please visit our downloads page
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