The NIRS/NUTBAL Standard Report provides fecal NIRS estimates of diet crude protein and energy (via digestible organic matter). It also includes a projected animal performance report based on user-provided inputs for animal class, current environmental conditions, and other information.

$35

Do not mail payment with your fecal sample. 

In addition to the information contained in the Standard report, The NIRS/NUTBAL Advisory offers a custom analysis of results based on user-supplied inputs and may require a follow-up by Ranch Diagnostics Lab personnel to verify inputs and refine recommendations.

$45

Do not mail payment with your fecal sample. 

We have historically offered several different analysis packages for researchers based on: a) the needs of the experiment, b) the level of collaboration desired, and c) budget considerations.

Please contact us for research pricing.

Please visit our publications page for published research and more details about our NIRS and NUTBAL technologies. Please contact us at any time to discuss collaboration, pricing, etc… as we remain dedicated to advancing grazingland animal science through NIRS.

Please note that under certain circumstances, a large shipment of research samples may take longer than the standard three days. We strongly suggest contacting us ahead of time to help meet project deadlines.

To simplify sample submission and processing, sampling kits are now purchased based on the number of samples submitted and the report type selected. Each sampling kit includes one prepaid sample analysis and all materials needed for sample collection and submission.

The Ranch Diagnostics Lab provides sampling kits for collecting and shipping fecal samples for analysis. Each kit includes one prepaid sample analysis (Standard or Advisory report).

Each kit contains:

• Instructions and information packet.
• Sample submission form corresponding to the selected report type (Standard or Advisory)
• Insulated mailer
• Freezer gel pack
• Pair of gloves
• Plastic spoon
• Sample information bag (orange-clear zip bag)
• Clear sample bag
  

Sampling kits can be ordered through the “Request Sampling Kit” link on the NUTBAL Online homepage, which will direct you to the Flywire payment page. You can also request a sample kit here.

When placing your order, select the number of kits needed and the report type (Standard or Advisory). Once your order and payment are received, the Ranch Diagnostics Lab will pre-log the samples in NUTBAL and include sample submission forms with assigned barcodes in your kit package.

Customers who prefer to pay by invoice/check may request sampling kits directly from the Ranch Lab by phone or email. Payment must be received before kits are shipped.

If you prefer to request kits by email, please provide the following information:

• Number of sampling kits requested
• Report type for the samples you intend to submit (Standard or Advisory): Please indicate the number of Standard and Advisory kits requested.
• Your name
• Mailing address
• Preferred email address
• Phone number

Once your request is received, an invoice will be sent to you. Payment must be received before kits are shipped.

• Once you receive your fecal sample kit in the mail, read the accompanying instructions and information packet, also available here. A sample submission forms is available here.
• Design a fecal sampling schedule that fits your objectives and meets the recommended sampling schedule.

The timing and frequency of fecal sampling depend on your objectives and budget. Use our fecal sampling schedule guide to help you plan:

When formulating your sampling calendar, keep these key points in mind:

• In a number of scenarios, sampling once a month allows you to manage and track a herd’s body condition.
• A manure pile most closely reflects the forage that was consumed 36 hours prior to defecation.
• Collect a sample each time conditions change substantially, and collect a second sample 14-21 days later to establish a new baseline and trend in forage quality.
• Allow for sampling during transitional periods like fall-to-winter and winter-to-spring. Also plan to sample during traditional periods of low-quality forage like winter and during seasonal drought.

Remember to document

Before mailing your sample, remember to provide important details about your submission as requested at NUTBAL Online or in the printed information and submission packet you receive with your Ranch Diagnostics Lab sample kit. This will include information about your ranch, pasture, herd and fecal sample.

Mail it in

Mail your livestock fecal samples by following the instructions at NUTBAL Online, or the printed information and submission packet you receive with your Ranch Diagnostics Lab sample kit, also available here. Sample Submission Forms, available here.

Address:

Ranch Diagnostics Lab
1052 Agronomy Rd.
TAMU 4138
College Station, TX 77843-4138