Analytical Services

Forage Analysis

Grass silage, maize silage, wholecrops, legumes, hay, haylage and fresh grass are analysed using the latest scanning Near Infra-Red (NIR) technology. The calibrations are routinely monitored against in-house 'wet' chemistry techniques and we participate in the ring tests and quality assurance systems as members of the F.A.A (Forage Analysis Assurance Group).

Our forage analysis services include:

• Sampling supplies
• Personalised Reports and data files 
• Statistical Data: Including averages by material - nationally or customer/supplier specific

Forage analysis by NIR is not UKAS ISO 17025 accredited.

There is a useful video on how to take a forage sample from your clamp on the FAA website.

Feed Analysis

We analyse feed materials and finished feeds for a broad range of parameters including oil (process A & B), crude protein, crude fibre, ash, moisture, salt and mineral content which when performed by traditional 'wet' chemistry techniques are UKAS ISO 17025 accredited.

A broad range of methods are available focused on either traditional 'wet' chemistry techniques or NIR spectrophotometry, which offers cost effective, rapid results.

The NIR calibrations have been developed in-house based on a unique but highly accurate ‘global database’ approach containing in excess of some 40,000 different samples. They are monitored and updated according to our own 'wet' chemistry results.

Mineral Analysis

Mineral profiling of forages and analysis of feed and feed raw materials is undertaken using either the Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP) technique, or Vapour Generated Atomic Fluorescence Spectroscopy (VGAFS).  This enables us to offer a wide variety of base, transition, and heavy metals: Ca, P, Mg, Na, K, S, Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn, Co, Mo, Al, Se, Cd, As and Pb that are UKAS ISO 17025 accredited.

We also offer dispersion test analysis, providing statistical data on mixer efficiency.

Vitamin Analysis

Vitamins A, E and D3 in premixes and raw materials are analysed by High Pressure Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) which is a UKAS ISO 17025 accredited method

.Other vitamin analysis is available on request, through subcontracting to other laboratories.  See Other Services for more information.

Near Infra-red Reflectance Spectroscopy (NIRS)

Analysis of feed or forage by NIR offers cost effective and rapid results. The calibrations are highly accurate and are continuously monitored and updated with comparative results from our own ‘wet’ chemistry laboratory. They give reproducible results time after time.

Analysis by NIR is not UKAS ISO 17025 accredited.

We also offer a comprehensive calibration service, with additional support which is based on the Trouw Nutrition global database approach. This service can be used by any customer wanting to undertake their own NIR analysis of feed materials and finished feed. Full support is also available to laboratories wishing to undertake forage analyses by NIRS.

We have access to Nutreco's Mosaic network enabling us more flexibility to analyse a wide range of worldwide ingredients.

XRF Mineral Analysis

Analysis by XRF (X-ray fluorescence) spectroscopy is a state-of-the-art, eco-friendly and quick method that allows a precise analysis of minerals in forage and TMR.

XRF mineral analysis stands as a pivotal method in discerning the mineral composition of forage for ruminant animals. The efficiency gains of XRF over conventional methods lie in its non-destructive nature, streamlined sample preparation, and rapid analytical throughput, enabling prompt decision-making in dietary formulation and addressing mineral imbalances in the diet, showcasing its status as the future of mineral analysis.

Minerals Analysed:

XRF can identify and quantify the same minerals offered by current conventional methods that are crucial for ruminant nutrition, including:

Calcium, Phosphorus, Potassium, Magnesium, Sodium, Chloride, Sulphur, Iron, Copper, Manganese, Zinc, Cobalt, Selenium, Aluminium, Lead, Molybdenum

Analysis by XRF is not UKAS ISO 17025 accredited

Other Services

In addition to our in-house analyses, we can subcontract to other laboratories to meet all your analysis requirements. Other parameters that may be of interest:

• Microbiological assays (salmonella, Enterobacteriacaea, E. Coli, TVC etc.)
• Medicinal Additives (Decoquinate, Monensin, Narasin, Nicarbazin etc.)
• Mycotoxin Screening
• Amino Acids (Lysine, Methionine, Threonine)
• Vitamins (A, E, D3, B Vitamins etc.)
• Accelerated Shelf life testing
• Dioxins and Dioxin like PCB’s

Other tests available on request. Contact our Analytical Services Team for further information.