Lab pricing and sampling information

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 offer two payment options for sample processing: online payment with a credit card or receiving an invoice after the samples have been processed for payment by check. Please do not mail payments with your submitted fecal samples.

ONLINE PAYMENT:  Purchase prepaid sampling kits online using Flywire. Each sampling kit includes one sample analysis (Standard or Advisory) and the materials needed for sample collection and submission. Once payment is received, kits will be shipped to the address provided during checkout.

Please retain your order confirmation number and include it with your sample submission paperwork, if applicable.

INVOICE (Check Payment Only – Requires the Customer Information Form): Customers wishing to pay by check should contact the Ranch Diagnostics Lab directly to request sampling kits. An invoice will be issued based on the number of kits requested and the report type selected. Payment must be received before kits are shipped.

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.

Water samples are analyzed by the Texas A&M Aquatic Diagnostics Laboratory using Neogen™ Petrifilm® E. coli/Coliform Count Plates, following Official Methods of Analysis (OMA #991.14 for Food and OMA #998.08 for Poultry, Meat and Seafood).

Your report will include results reported as colony-forming units (CFU) for E. coli and total coliform bacteria.

Each report includes:

• E. coli results (CFU/100 mL)
• Total coliform results (CFU/100 mL)
• Interpretation guidelines based on published livestock water quality recommendations

Results will be interpreted using available livestock water quality guidelines and should also be considered alongside factors such as the type of water source, livestock class, and overall management practices. Elevated bacterial counts may indicate the need for additional investigation or corrective management.

$40.25  per sample

Order and pay online through the Ranch Diagnostics Lab Flywire Store. Once your order is received, you’ll receive instructions for collecting and submitting your water sample. Results are typically available within two weeks after the laboratory receives the sample.

Screening is performed by the Texas A&M Aquatic Diagnostics Laboratory using a qualitative assay designed to detect multiple cyanobacterial hepatotoxins. The method includes a digestion step that releases toxins contained within cyanobacterial cells, allowing detection even when toxins have not yet been released into the surrounding water.

Each report includes:

• Presence or absence of cyanobacterial hepatotoxins.
• Recommended immediate actions if hepatotoxins are detected.
• A Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service publication with guidance on bloom management, water detoxification and follow-up testing.

$130 per sample

Order and pay online through the Ranch Diagnostics Lab Flywire Store. Once your order is received, you’ll receive instructions for collecting and submitting your water sample.

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.
• 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.

Address:

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

Collect the sample in a new or clean plastic bottle with a screw cap (approximately 16-20 oz).

A standard disposable drinking water bottle may be reused if it is rinsed three times with the water source before collecting the sample.

Do not use glass containers, as they are more likely to break during shipping and will not be accepted.

Avoid disturbing sediment before or during sample collection.

Ensure the sample does not contain vegetation, insects, snails, tadpoles, small fish, or other debris.

Collect the sample approximately 6-24 inches below the water surface by submerging the bottle and allowing it to fill.

Secure the cap tightly after collection.

Collect samples on the day they will be shipped and mail them as soon as possible (preferably within four hours of collection).

Clearly label each bottle with the owner’s name (or sample ID), collection date, and water source.

Place bottles in a sturdy box with loose packing material (such as newspaper or packing paper) to prevent damage during shipping.

Include a printed copy of your order confirmation with the shipment. If you are unable to print the confirmation, include the confirmation number, purchaser’s name, sample identification, and tests requested on a separate sheet of paper.

USPS address: Ranch Lab, 4138 TAMU, College Station, TX 77843-4138

UPS/FedEx/other: Ranch Lab, 763 Agronomy Rd. Bldg 1052, College Station,TX 77843

Collect the sample in a new or clean plastic bottle with a screw cap (approximately 16-20 oz).

A standard disposable drinking water bottle may be reused if it is rinsed three times with the water source before collecting the sample.

Do not use glass containers, as they are more likely to break during shipping and will not be accepted.

Avoid disturbing sediment before or during sample collection.

Ensure the sample does not contain vegetation, insects, snails, tadpoles, small fish, or other debris.

Collect the sample approximately 6-24 inches below the water surface by submerging the bottle and allowing it to fill.

Secure the cap tightly after collection.

Collect samples on the day they will be shipped and mail them as soon as possible (preferably within four hours of collection).

Clearly label each bottle with the owner’s name (or sample ID), collection date, and water source.

Place bottles in a sturdy box with loose packing material (such as newspaper or packing paper) to prevent damage during shipping.

Include a printed copy of your order confirmation with the shipment. If you are unable to print the confirmation, include the confirmation number, purchaser’s name, sample identification, and tests requested on a separate sheet of paper.

USPS address: Ranch Lab, 4138 TAMU, College Station, TX 77843-4138

UPS/FedEx/other: Ranch Lab, 763 Agronomy Rd. Bldg 1052, College Station,TX 77843