Sample Resources
Guidelines
- Lab Procedures
- Preparation of Plant Samples for Analysis
- Preparation and Determination of %100 Dry Matter in Feed and Forages
- pH Determination (Silage Only) in Feed and Forages
- Dry Ash Procedure for B & Al
- Dry Ash Procedure for P, K, Ca, Mg, Zn, Cu, Fe
- Wet Ashing Procedure Using HNO3+30%H202 for P, K, Ca, Mg, Zn, Mn, Cu, Fe, S
- Wet Ashing Procedure for P, K, Ca, Mg, Zn, Mn, Cu, Fe, S Using HNO3 and HCLO4
- Total Nitrogen by Combustion
- Kjeldahl Digestion for Total Nitrogen
- Determination of NH4-N by Steam Distillation
- Procedure for Distilling Samples on the Kjeltec 2300 Analyzer Unit
- Standardization of Acids and Bases
- Acid Detergent Fiber Determinations (ADF)
- Determination of ADF-N - Bound Protein
- Neutral Detergent Solution Determination - NDF
- Soluble Protein
- Determination of % Fat (Hexane)
- Determination of % Fat (Ether)
- Determination of Sodium (Na)
- Determination of Nitrate Nitrogen (N03-N) by Specific Ion Electrode
- Determination of % Ash
- Determination of Phosphorous by Colorimetry
- Tubidimetric Determination of Sulfur as Sulfate
- Chloride (Total) Determination
- Chloride (Soluble) Determination
- Washing Glassware
- Sample Storage and Disposal
For information regarding requirements for selling and labeling commercial feed products, please visit the webpage for Feed Safety Compliance of the South Carolina Department of Agriculture.
The Clemson Agricultural Service Laboratory offers testing services for the nutrients required for feed labels, which are the following: crude protein, crude fat, and crude fiber. Moisture percentage and total digestible nutrients (TDN) will be included on your analysis report and at no extra charge. Additionally, other test options can be found on the Feed & Forage webpage.
Please include as your sample between 1-2 large treats, 3-4 small treats, or 1 cup of wet or dry (kibble) food to ensure all analyses requested can be completed. If samples need to be refrigerated or frozen, please ensure that the sample arrives at the lab under those conditions. Please do not send raw meat to be tested as we cannot accept it.
Samples can be submitted directly to the Agricultural Service Laboratory by USPS, UPS, or FedEx, or in person. Alternatively, samples can be dropped off at any Clemson Cooperative Extension Office throughout the state.
Please include the completed sample form and payment.
Payment can be made by cash, check (made out to Clemson University), or by credit card via our online store.
A Pet Food Kit is also available for purchase and includes an analysis form, postage paid return box and covers the cost of ONE test for crude fat, crude protein, and acid detergent fiber (ADF). If submitting a sample using this kit, your sample size may not exceed more than one cup. This kit does not include packaging to keep cold items at their required temperature; therefore, we do not suggest ordering a kit for temperature sensitive treats.
Results will be emailed within 10 business days of receiving the sample.
Shipping address: Agricultural Service Laboratory 171 Old Cherry Road Clemson, SC 29634