Representation
An analysis is only as good as the sample submitted. Every effort should be made to ensure that the sample truly reflects and characterizes the material to be analyzed.
Sample Size
The typical sample should fill a 1-quart plastic zip lock style bag.
- Drier samples weigh ~ 75-150g
- Wetter samples weigh ~ 300-500g.
- Samples exceeding these weights may be assessed a sample handling fee at our discretion and without notice.
- If you have any questions regarding the weight of your samples, contact us ahead of time, and we’ll work together to develop a plan of action.
Freezing
It is good practice to freeze wet samples prior to submission. This will help prevent marked chemical changes due to plant respiration, fermentation, or degradation, should there be shipping delays.
For a printable version of how to collect a sample, please print this document.
Sample Types Accepted by Zooquarius:
Animal samples – All animal samples must be euthanized prior to submission. DO NOT submit live animal samples. Largest animals accepted are adult guinea pig or rabbit*.
| Animal/Size | # to submit | Approximate length of sample |
|---|---|---|
| Whole Fish (Extra Small) | 10 | >1″ but <3" |
| Whole Fish (Small) | 5 | >3″ but <6" |
| Whole Fish (Medium) | 3 | >6″ but <10" |
| Whole Fish (Large) | 2 | >10″ but <15" |
| Whole Fish (Extra Large)* | 1 | >15″ |
| Whole Squid | 6-7 | >3″ but equal to or less than 6″ |
| Various Meat (Ground and/or Fillet/Parts) | 1 pound | |
| Whole Rats (Adult) | 2** | |
| Whole Mice (Adult) | 4** | |
| Whole Chicks | 4 |
*=extra handling and processing fee applies and results may be delayed.
**= For other sizes, please contact our support team.
Bones – We are unable to process large bones, e.g., cattle femurs or ribs. Intact carcasses of fish, chicks, rats, and rabbits are acceptable.
Baled hay – Hays of different types, cuttings, or lots should be sampled separately. Using a hay probe, core 12-20 bales selected at random through the center of the small square end. For round bales, sample on the curved side with the core perpendicular to the side. Combine all core samples and submit for analysis.
If there is an excess of cored forage that will not fit into a quart sized sample bag, use the cone and quarter method (diagrammed below) to further reduce the sample size but retain an accurate representation of the larger sample to be submitted.
Empty your sample on a flat clean surface (or piece of plastic) and pile the sample into a cone-like shape being careful to minimize leaf shatter. * Flatten the top, divide the cone into four quarters, then discard the two quarters diagonally to each other and combine the other two. If the sample is still too large, repeat the process. Continue this process until two quarters can fill the sample bag.
* Important Note: Using the cone and quarter method for dry alfalfa hay may inadvertently cause leaf shatter and yield a biased sample. Instead, it’s best to submit all the cores pulled. These samples will be processed by the lab in their entirety. However, due to the labor necessary to grind samples sent with volumes exceeding quart-sized, an extra handling fee is applicable.
Pasture – Randomly select 12-20 sites grazing sites and clip a handful of forage at grazing height and placed in a clean plastic bucket to form a composite. Cut each handful into 2–3 inch (5-8 cm) pieces to aid in blending. Carefully and thoroughly blend all of the sampled forage together. Take a one pound (0.5 kg) sample, pack it tightly in a plastic bag, and freeze for 12 hours prior to submitting for analysis.
Other Plant Materials– For Browse (Leaves, Twigs, Leaves & Twigs, Bark), Fruits & Vegetables (Whole, Peeled, Peels & Pulp), and Insects (Whole), please contact our support team.