Feed Logic is a nation-wide, hay, silage, pasture and grain quality testing service provided by Livestock Logic.  We accurately assess the quality of your feed before you feed it, buy it or sell it using the latest in near infrared (NIR) technology and all from our modern, state of the art laboratory in Hamilton.  We are Australian Fodder Industry Association (AFIA) accredited and participate in quality assurance ‘ring testing’ with other laboratories across Australia to ensure we deliver consistent and accurate results consistent with industry guidelines.

Testing your feed will help you make informed decisions on:

  • The ability of the feed to meet the nutritional requirements of the livestock
  • Calculating feed rations
  • Budgeting for feed gaps

If you are purchasing feed in, remember to have it tested so you know what you are getting.

CONTACT US TODAY
CONTACT US TODAY

Feed Logic offers a cost effective and rapid testing service backed by a large network of nutritionalists, agronomists and veterinarians with a combined 75+ years of industry knowledge and experience.

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What parameters do we test?

Our feed analysis package is uniform across most feed types and we provide you with relevant and useful information that directly relates to livestock production.  These parameters include dry matter (DM), Digestibility (DDM & DOMD), Metabolisable Energy (ME), Crude Protein (CP), Fibres (NDF & ADF), Sugars (WSC) and Ash.  For grains, parameters such as bulk density, starch and Crude Fibre (CF) are also included.  Please click here to download our definitions page.  We can analyse samples for other parameters as required.  Please call us today to discuss your testing requirements!

What types of feed do we test?

Virtually, any type of feed can be tested by NIR spectroscopy.  We concentrate mainly on feed types that are used by the agricultural sector – particularly livestock feeds.  These include the more common types including hay, silage, pasture and grain but processed / pelleted feeds, feed by-products, mixed / feedlot rations and pre-prepared feeds can all be analysed.  Contact us today to discuss your testing requirements.

How long does a quality analysis take?

We understand that our clients are busy so we aim to reduce the lag time between receiving your sample and sending you the results.  For NIR analysis of pasture, hay or silage, we strive to have your results within 3 business days of receiving the sample.  For grains, we usually send results the same day!  Now that’s good service!  We don’t charge more for same day or next day results.  We aim to analyse your sample accurately and efficiently so that you have your results and can make informed management decisions straight away.
Where no NIR calibrations exist or where a feed type is ‘unique’ or an ‘outlier’, the sample will need to be analysed by Wet Chemistry.  This form of analysis provides the reference data for the NIR instrument calibrations and is the benchmark standard for accuracy.  This type of analysis takes up to 14 days to complete, as each individual parameter of the feed is determined by manual laboratory methods.  For mineral analysis of plant tissues, turnaround time is also up to 14 days.  For a full list of turnaround times and prices, please refer to our price list here.

Reports

The results of your feed analysis are collated and formatted into a pdf document which can be sent to you via email or fax.  Alternatively, we can call you to discuss your results if required.  Just specify this on your submission form.  As well as the results, a definitions list is also attached which describes the terminology of the parameters tested – click here to download.Please click here to view a sample report.

See AFIA Grades

If you receive your results by email or fax and you have any questions, please call our office and quote the Lab Number located in the top right hand corner under the Sample Details heading.  This lab number is a unique number each sample is given upon receipt at our lab and is specifically related to your sample.

We keep results on file for up to 12 months so if you lose your results please call or email and we can send you out another copy.

If you are purchasing feed that has been tested in our laboratory, we cannot send you the results unless you are the person that has submitted the results.  Due to privacy regulations, we need the verbal or written consent of the owner/submitter to give us permission to forward the results on.  This policy is not negotiable.

What other analyses can be performed?

Not only do we assess quality, but we can test for mould and mycotoxins, minerals – click here to view (including DCAD for dairy producers), starch, lignin, acid insoluble ash (AIA) and phomopsin in lupins to name a few. We are also able to test pastures for nitrates​.​ Call us today to discuss your testing requirements.

How do I start testing?

Feed Logic collecting kits can be picked up from our office or can be sent out to you by post.

Please call or email today and we will send out some collecting kits, together with a reply paid envelope.

Our kits contain a strong, clear plastic collecting bag with a zip lock to place your sample in, a submission form that is easy to fill in, and some easy to follow instructions on how to collect your sample. As well as collecting kits, we also have hay/silage corers available for loan. Hay corers are recommended when collecting hay and silage to achieve a uniform and representative sample across a stack. This will give you greater confidence in your results!

Tips for collecting and posting samples

When collecting your sample, follow the information provided inside your collecting kit.  These instructions have been written to ensure that you collect the most representative sample possible, and adhere to the Australian Fodder Industry Association (AFIA) guidelines.Remember to fill the collecting bags to the specified line on the outside of the bag.  For hays, silages and pastures, we require a full bag, while for grains, we only require one third of a bag.  Due to the nature of our reply paid service, additional charges may be incurred if sending in one or more full bags of grain.

After collecting your sample, try to squeeze as much air out of the bag as possible before sealing to preserve the sample.  For green pasture samples, refrigerate after collecting.  This is particularly important if you are sending your sample by post.

Remember to fill out the submission form with as much information as possible.  Please click here to view what information needs to be completed.  The information you provide with your sample will help us with the free interpretation of results that comes with each test.  It is also important to reduce processing time that submission forms contain all your contact details and information about your sample.  Please write on the forms clearly and legibly and do not place forms inside bags containing green pasture or silage as the ink on the form can run making the submission forms impossible to read.  In this instance, forms can be taped or stapled to the outside of the collecting bag.

Just remember, more than one sample at a time can be posted in the reply paid bags.  To reduce the chance of sample spoilage, aim to post samples to us early in the week to avoid samples sitting in the post over the weekend.