Testing feed samples in the Sano laboratory
Those who want to fully utilize the increasing performance capacity of their dairy cows, fattening cattle, breeding sows, or fattening pigs without compromising animal health, rely on feed samples. With the knowledge gained from the feed samples, targeted decisions can be made regarding feed purchases, forage management measures, or management strategies. The optimal ration composition, based on our feed analyses, not only promotes animal health and performance but also protects the environment and your wallet.
The benefits and advantages of an analysis at the Sano Laboratory
Select the analysis package that suits your needs from our laboratory analysis offerings and order your sample set.
Scope of Feed Analyses and Testing Methods
Through feed analysis, we can provide insights into the nutrient, vitamin, and mineral content. Additionally, we can offer information on fiber and starch digestibility, as well as the fermentation acid pattern. Fat, carbohydrate, and protein fractions are also broken down in detail. This allows for an accurate assessment of the supply of essential amino acids and rumen synchronization.
At the Sano laboratory, we examine your feed using state-of-the-art techniques such as Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (NIR) or X-ray analysis. In cooperation with CVAS (Cumberland Valley Analytical Service), our laboratory operates according to the latest standard: the CNCPS model.
Convince yourself of our feed analysis based on the American model.
From the GPS test to the grass silage analysis - this is how we examine your roughage and concentrate feed.
With every new silo ready for feeding, the roughage should be tested. Previous year's or even standard values are unreliable and fluctuate, especially in years with extreme weather conditions.
Different weather conditions, extreme weather, or measures in crop cultivation also affect the ingredients of grains, rapeseed meal, and others. Ensuring that you can use your individual values as the basis for a healthy, sustainable, and economical ration is our top priority.
Therefore, the following basic, energy, and protein feed analyses are possible in our Sano laboratory:
- Hay
- Grass Silage
- Clover (grass) silages
- Fresh Grass
- Maize Silage
- Cereal / Whole Plant Silage (GPS)
- Alfalfa Silages & Alfalfa Hay
- Sugar Beet Pulp
- Sorghum & Millet Silage
- Straw
- Wet Maize
- Legume Silages (Beans, Peas, Soybeans)
- Energy Feed, e.g. Grains
- Protein Feeds, e.g. Field Beans
- Mill By-products, e.g. Cereal Sludge
- Brewery & Distillery By-products, e.g. Brewer's Grain
- Dairy Raw Materials, e.g. Skim Milk Powder
- Animal By-products, e.g. Fish Meal
The Components of the Sano Laboratory Report at a Glance
A laboratory report contains many different abbreviations and values. This provides farmers and consultants with a valuable tool for ration optimization and performance prediction. Here, you will find the most important innovative metrics and units from the Sano laboratory report explained simply, so you can directly understand what’s in your feedstuffs.
- Crude Protein (XP): Represents the protein content based on the total nitrogen content of the sample. It includes not only the true protein but also the non-protein nitrogen.
- Ammonium XP Equivalents: Indicates the proportion of ammonia in the crude protein. Excessive values may indicate protein breakdown in the silo, for example, due to Clostridia.
- ADF: Acid Detergent Fiber. Fiber components that are insoluble in an acid detergent solution, primarily lignin.
- aNDF: Neutral Detergent Fiber. Fiber components that are insoluble in a neutral detergent solution. This includes hemicellulose, cellulose, and lignin.
- NDF Digestibility: The proportion of the NDF fiber components that can be digested by the cow within the specified time.
- uNDF: The proportion of NDF fiber components that cannot be digested by the cow within the specified time. It forms the counterpart to NDF digestibility.
- Sugar (Ethanol and water-soluble): The proportion of sugar that dissolves in water or in an 80% ethanol solution.
- Starch: The starch content of the sample.
- Starch Digestibility: The rate of starch breakdown in the animal.
During the corn silage storage, the digestibility of the starch in the corn changes. This has an impact on the choice of additional feedstuffs. With the help of the CNCPS feed analysis, you can target the use of feedstuffs effectively.
- Volatile Fatty Acids: Formed by carbohydrate degradation during the silage process. Used for evaluating the quality of the silage process.
- Lactic Acid: Formed by carbohydrate degradation during the silage process.
- Acetic Acid: High levels are caused by long field storage times, long filling duration, and too slow acidification.
- Butyric Acid: Formed by excessively wet, contaminated silage material, low sugar content, and/or insufficient levels of lactic acid bacteria. Produced by Clostridia.
- 1,2 Propanediol: Propylene glycol. Produced by heterofermentative lactic acid bacteria.
- Amino Acids - Absolute: Absolute content of essential, semi-essential, and non-essential amino acids in the sample.
- NH3: Ammonia content of the sample.
- Amino Acids - Ideal Digestibility: The proportion of each essential, semi-essential, and non-essential amino acid that is digestible in the small intestine (ileum). Species-specific for pigs and poultry.
- NIRS Analysis Results: Content of crude nutrients in the sample.
- Phosphate (P2O5): Total phosphate content in the sample. Usable for nutrient flow balance.
- Nitrogen (N): Total nitrogen content in the sample. Usable for nutrient flow balance.
- Energy Evaluation: Energy evaluation of the sample specific to sows, fattening pigs, poultry, and ruminants.