• How much sample material do I need for a feed / water /organic fertilizer- analysis? 

We need about 500g or 500ml for one analysis. Exceptions to this are tests for QS. The sample quantities for this QS-analyses can be found here.

• What quantities of feed do I have to send for GMO analysis?

The following quantities are required for testing for genetically modified organisms:

Corn: > 1000 g

Soy: > 700 g

Compound feed or grain: > 400 g

Rapeseed: > 60 g

The samples should be representive mixed samples.

• How do I take a hay sample correctly?

For a representative sampling from several hay bales, please take a sample from at least 5-6 bales and make a mixed sample. If possible, take the sample from the inside of the bale and not from the outer layer. You can find more information here.

• When is the best time for a hay analysis?

We recommend sampling hay after a storage period of at least 8 weeks.

• How does my sample get to you?

You can deliver your sample to us personally in Lichtenwalde or send it to us by mail. 

• Where should I send my samples?

LKS-Landwirtschaftliche Kommunikations- und Servicegesellschaft mbH, August-Bebel-Str. 6, 09577 Niederwiesa, GERMANY

• Should I fill out a specimen order form for each sample?

Yes, please also fill out a order form for each sample. This facilitates the correct allocation of the sample for our employees at the sample acceptance.

• My desired examination is not listed on the order form. What should I do?

If the examination you require is not listed as an analysis to tick on our order form, please enter it by hand in the "other analyses or investigations" field.

• I received a empty order form. What should I do with this? 

This is an automatic dispatch of our system. If you are a new customer or have not sent in any samples for a longer time, you will automatically receive a order form with your data. You can use this for sending in the next samples.

• Which shipping materials should be used for metabolic samples? 

Blood: blood chemistry for organ parameters: serum tubes, blood count: EDTA tubes

Urine: urinary tube or cup

Cover hair: a clean plastic bag (e.g. with zip-closure) is sufficient, please send in at least 5g!

• Who may take my water sample?

A sample for testing the quality of water for human consumption (drinking water sample) must be taken by an accredited sampler. This person take the water sample in accordance to all the specifications. You need a drinking water sample for official purposes.

If you only want to have your drinking water analyzed for private purposes, you can take the sample yourself (service and process water - analysis). The assessment takes place according to the guidelines of the drinking water ordinance.

You can also take the sample yourself to assess the hygienic quality of livestock water. In the case of a livestock water analysis, the sample will be assess in accordance to the feed law. 

• What must be considered during water sampling?

If the sample is not taken by an accredited sampler, you will need a sterile bottle for a microbiological examination. You get this from the laboratory. For a chemical analysis, a non-sterile bottle can be used.

Let some of the water drain off, open the bottle without touching internal areas and fill it. After that, the water should reach the laboratory within 24h. If the water sample is sent by mail, we recommend express delivery to the next day.

The order form must be fill out completely. 

Note: In the case of livestock water, please do not take the sample directly from the drinking basin, but from the outlet point before. A sample from the drinking basin will falsify the results, because bacterial growth is favored by adhering saliva and feed residues.

• What is included in a complete analyses?

In the complete analysis are all raw nutrients (crude ash, crude protein, crude fibre, ehter extract, sugar) as well as the energy-/proteinevaluation included.

• I have already received my analysis result and would like a additional examination. Is that possible?

Normally, a additional examination can be ordered within four weeks after receipt of the sample.

Exception: Microbiological analyses in moist samples can NOT be ordered retrospectively, because these samples are dried and ground at this time and microbiological analyses must be carried out on the fresh material.

• Which Clostridia examination should I select?

The Clostridia method according to VDLUFA is used to determine the total number of all vegetative, sulfite-reducing Clostridia. Because clostridia can occur anywhere in the environment, it is also possible to differentiate whether the toxin producers are Cl. perfringens and/or Cl. botulinum.

Contamination of the feed with Cl. perfringens often leads to a deterioration of the general condition of the animals and to frequent diarrhea in the herd. Intoxication with Cl. botulinum is associated with central nervous disorders.

• I have elevated cell counts in the herd, can this be due to feeding?

Yes, as a secondary form, reduced feed quality can have a negative impact on cell counts.

To check the hygienic quality of the feedstuffs, they can be analysed for the microbiological parameters moulds, yeasts and bacteria. An analysis for mycotoxins (mold toxins) is also advisable. Furthermore, a possible contamination of the feed with clostridia can be excluded.

And not to forget, the quality of the drinking water should also be checked.

• How do I get my analysis result?

Provided that you have entered an e-mail address on the order form, you will receive your results by e-mail. This is the fastest way and also free of charge. In addition, we can offer you the sending of results by fax or mail (additional postage costs).

• How long does the analysis take? When I get my results? 

The results of NIRS-analyses are avaiable normally ca. 24h after sample receipt. Analyses with reference methods last  ca. 7-10 days. 

• I need my results as quick as possible - do you offer an express-service?

No we dont bring samples forward. All samples will be edit quickly in the order of sample receipt. 

• I can no longer find my test report, can you send it to me again?

Of course we can send you a test report again. Simply contact us by phone at 037206/87140 or by e-mail at luw@lks-mbh.com. Please always have your customer number ready in case of queries.

• I have a question about my test result. Where do I need to go?

For general questions about your result, please contact 037206/87140 or send us an e-mail to luw@lks-mbh.com. For specialist questions, please contact the relevant specialist consultant, who you will find under Contact. Please always have your customer number ready in case of queries.

Please do NOT reply directly to the result email because it is an automatic sending and emails are not replied to.

• What is the reference value of the guide values?

The guide values always refer to the column dry matter. Exception: liquid manure/digestate/stable manure, here the guide values refer to the original substance.

• Which differents are between referenc vale, guide value, alert value and orientation value? 

A reference value may not be exceeded. This is defined by law and there are usually serious consequences if it is exceeded. For example, the laboratory must submit a report obligation.

The guide-, alert- and orientation values are not legally binding, but they are recommendations. The aim of all these values is to give the industry as well as the authorities an objective basis for assessment.

Alert values indicate microorganism levels which, if exceeded, indicate that the principles of good manufacturing and hygiene practice have been violated. If alert levels of pathogenic microorganisms are exceeded, a health hazard to the consumer cannot be ruled out.

Guide values are specified values against which actual values can be measured. These values should be complied, but there is no compulsion to do so and no threat of penalties.

Orientation values are non-binding guideline figures that result from empirical values.

• What happens if guideline values are exceeded in my sample?

Generally, the guide values give a possibility to estimate the quality of the sample. If the values are below the guide value, there is usually no need for action. If the values are above the guide value, appropriate measures should be taken. Follow-up samples can be sent in at every time and the hygienic measures around the corresponding processes should be checked.

A special case is the detection of salmonella. Here, both the laboratory and the company are obliged to report to the responsible office.

In the area of foodstuff analyses, samples exceeding 100 cfu/g Listeria monocytogenes must also be reported.

• Are guideline values shown for the samples I send in so that I can assess the result?

It is our goal to show always an evaluation framework for the achieved results.

If this is not available for the analysed parameters, in-house guidance values have been designed for some matrices to help you assess your result.

• How can my mastitis data be integrated into the HERDE program?

You have to contact the agrarmanagement department of the LKV. There you will be shown all the necessary settings. Afterwards you can comfortably send us the data of the animals to be analyzed from your HERDE program. The manual filling in of a order form is no longer necessary. After the analysis, we will send you the results in the form of a normal test report and as a file that you can import into your HERDE software. Thus, the results of the mastitis analysis are immediately available.