Ingredient Sampling and Analysis: Why and How

What does it cost to make a ton of poultry feed? Some example cost figures are listed in Table 1.

It is obvious that ingredients are the most costly item in producing a ton of feed. Reducing ingredient costs should be the primary task of a person who wants to reduce the cost of producing feeds. Sampling and analysis of ingredients may seem to increase costs. The reverse is really true. The advantages of ingredient analysis are as follows:

1. Pays for itself. The deficiency claims on the first eight loads of soybean meal alone can frequently pay for start-up costs and lab fees. Estimated start-up costs are about $175.00, while the average cost of lab fees is about $12.00 per sample.

2. Improved ingredient quality. After beginning to analyze ingredients, many feed manufacturers notice a significant improvement in ingredient quality.

3. Allows supplier evaluation. Information gained from ingredient analysis tells you who is selling you the best ingredients.

4. Decreased regulatory problems. North Carolina Department of Agriculture records show that 25.3% of the feed samples from mills that do not analyze ingredients were in violation. Feed mills that analyze ingredients had only 8.3% of their feeds in violation.

5. Increased profits. Feeds cost! Ingredient analysis allows formulation on the ingredient quality being received, which in turn results in the most economical ration.

6. Improved performance. Ingredient analysis means more consistent feeds, which means birds perform better.

7. Increased consumer acceptance and confidence. Ingredient analysis means more consistent feeds. Customers tend to be more loyal to feeds that are consistent in content.

What Do I Need to Start Sampling?

The essential equipment for sampling ingredients is a 5 or 6 foot grain probe, a sampling canvas, some sample jars (glass jars will do), some plastic bags for sending samples to the lab and perhaps a bag sampler.

Who should Sample?

All ingredients may be sampled when received. However, when filling deficiency claims, official inspectors and inspection methods are required to determine the quality of some commodities like corn. Others, like soybean meal, require that an official sample be taken by the supplier. Deficiency claims are based on the analysis performed by a recognized laboratory.

What is the Sampling Procedure?

Samples should represent the entire load. Samples may be collected before or during unloading. However, if you decide to collect samples during unloading keep in mind that you can get several hundred pounds of badly deficient ingredients in a short period of time.

Sampling During Unloading

Use a cup or bucket sampler to collect at least five small samples. Cut the entire stream of ingredients flowing out of the car. Using the canvas, combine the small samples into a large sample. Mix by lifting alternative corners of the canvass to roll the sample.

Sampling Before Unloading

Using the grain probe, collect four samples about one foot from the edge and at evenly spaced intervals down each side of the truck or car. Then collect one sample in the center of the load. Push the closed probe to the bottom of the car or truck, open and fill the probe, then close and withdraw it. Using the sampling canvas, combine the samples into one large sample. Mix the sample by lifting alternate corners of the canvas to roll the sample.

Handling of the Sample

After the sample has been collected, it should be divided using a straight edge. Half the sample will be sent to the lab for analysis while the other half (the check sample) will be retained in a sample jar. Each sample should weigh at least a pound (preferably more). Both portions should be labeled with: (1) the date, (2) a sample number, (3) the supplier's name, (4) the ingredient name, (5) guarantees if any, and (6) tests required. Samples should be sent to the lab in air tight containers as soon as possible after collection. The check sample should be stored in a cool, dry place for about six months. A log book should be kept of samples sent to the lab. This log book should contain label information, dates when samples were sent to the lab, and dates when information was received from the lab. This allows a check should a sample be lost and it allows a check of the lab's turn around time.

What To Ask For

Suggested analyses on major ingredients are listed in Table 2. Consult your nutritionist concerning other analyses. Consider running the following occasionally: Calcium, fat and urease on soybean meal, pepsin digestibility on meat and fish meals, pesticide scan on fat, meat meal and fish meal, xanthophyll and aflatoxin on corn.

Which Lab is Best?

There is no best lab as there is no best feed formula. The best lab for you depends on your needs. However, when deciding upon a lab, be certain that the lab uses methods of the Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC) or the American Oil Chemists' Society (AOCS) and the lab participates in the AAFCO and/or AOCS check sample program. In addition, you should occasionally send duplicate samples to see how close the lab double checks. For an up-to-date list of laboratories contact the office of Extension Poultry Science.

What Are Deficiency Claims?

Deficiency claims are cash rebates which are obtained based on the results supplied by a recognized analytical laboratory. These claims are often governed by the trade rules of an ingredient association. Trade rules are established for the protection of the buyer and the seller and usually give particulars on: the products governed by the rules (e.g. what analyses to expect), sampling procedures, deficiency claims, shipping and routing practices as well as other items. Some trading rules are more rigidly enforced than others.

Tips on Filing Deficiency Claims

It is best for you and your supplier to decide together on a fair deficiency claims procedure. However, here are a few rules of thumb.

1. File all claims in writing and include a copy of the invoice, a copy of the analytical results and all calculations required to determine the amount of the claim.

2. Submit all claims within 30 days after the arrival of the load.

3. Generally, claims cannot be filed on animal products (fish meal, meat meal, etc.) unless the product is more than 0.5% deficient. For example, on 50% meat meal no claim on meal assaying 49.5%.

4. The amount of the deficiency claim is usually determined by multiplying the amount of the deficiency by the bulk invoice price. For example, you receive a load of 55% meat meal--the bulk invoice price is $10,000, it assays 53.5. Your claim would be: .55 - .535 = .015; $10,000 X .015 = $150.00.
   

Prepared by Frank T. Jones, Extension Poultry Specialist
North Carolina State University
1/80, PS&T Guide #26

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