Feed Sampling

History taking

Establish all details including clinical conditions, production, feed company, ration name, batch number and an expiry date if given. A copy of the feed delivery ticket and the feed formulation is essential when interpreting the results. Without this the veterinary comments and results to the client will be delayed whilst this is established. Ensure the control sample is on farm in a safe place in case a second test is required.

Taking the sample

Write the date and farm details onto the plastic, grip top sample bag using a permanent marker pen. Wearing disposable gloves and using a new bag, take approximately 100g of feed. The feed sample should be representative of the batch delivered, therefore check and check again with the client/manager that you are collecting from the correct batch. Do not take many small samples, spilt feed, wet/damp feed or feed which is already contaminated with faeces, unless there are specific instructions from the case vet. Seal the top and send off to the laboratory as soon as possible. 100g of feed is usually sufficient for most sampling; 200g is the most you should send otherwise unnecessary postage costs are incurred and there is a change of package spill in the postal system.