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Page 10 %u2013 Australian Pork Newspaper, March 2025 www.porknews.com.auENSURING the quality and safety of animal feed is crucial for the agricultural sector, impacting both producers and consumers. Accurate feed sampling is fundamental to this process, providing critical data on the feed%u2019s composition, safety and quality. Proper sampling minimises errors, allowing analyses to reflect the true condition of the feed. This article explores key methodologies, challenges and best practices for effective feed sampling.Why proper sampling mattersThe main objective of feed sampling is to obtain a representative sample of the entire feed batch. A representative sample is crucial because it reflects the overall quality of the feed, allowing for accurate analysis of essential nutrients, potential contaminants and other key parameters. If the sample does not accurately represent the batch, the test results can lead to incorrect assessments, which may result in the acceptance of substandard feed or the rejection of highquality feed.It is particularly important when testing for contaminants such as mycotoxins, which may be distributed unevenly within the feed batch.Sampling and mycotoxin testingMycotoxins are toxic compounds produced by fungi that can contaminate feed ingredients. These toxins pose significant health risks to livestock, leading to reduced productivity, reproductive issues and, in severe cases, mortality. Ensuring feed safety through mycotoxin analysis is a crucial part of feed management and proper sampling is the first step.A primary challenge in mycotoxin testing is the uneven distribution of these toxins in feed ingredients. Mycotoxins may not be uniformly spread throughout a lot %u2013 some sections may have high concentrations, while others may have little to none. Therefore, representative sampling is essential to detect and quantify mycotoxins%u2019 presence accurately. If the sampling procedure is flawed, it could result in false negatives, leading to the unintentional use of contaminated feed. Challenges in feed samplingSampling errors are the largest source of inaccuracy in mycotoxin analysis, accounting for about 75 percent of the total uncertainty. One of the main challenges is the inhomogeneous distribution of mycotoxins in feed batches. Different parts of a lot may contain varying concentrations of contaminants, leading to potential underestimation or overestimation of the mycotoxin levels if the sampling is not done correctly.To minimise errors, it is critical to increase the number of samples collected. This helps to ensure that the analysis reflects the true mycotoxin content of the batch. The sampling error can be reduced by proper equipment selection and by collecting samples from various locations in the lot, particularly when the feed is in motion.Types of sampling methodsManual sampling Grain probes or triers %u2013 these tools are used to extract samples from static lots, such as grain heaps or silos. The probe should be long enough to reach the bottom of the container, ensuring that the sample represents the entire depth of the feed batch.Pelican grain sampler %u2013 this tool is used to collect samples from a falling stream of bulk feed. It is particularly effective during the transfer of grain and can collect multiple samples as the feed moves through the system.Automatic samplingCross-cut samplers %u2013 these devices are used when the feed is in motion, such as on a conveyor belt. They operate by cutting through the product stream and collecting small amounts of feed at regular intervals. Automatic samplers are useful for continuous monitoring of feed quality and ensure that the samples are collected uniformly, reducing the chance of bias.Sampling equipment selectionThe choice of sampling device plays a critical role in ensuring accurate sampling. Some common tools include:%u2022 Grain probes or triers %u2013 effective for penetrating static batches%u2022 Automatic samplers %u2013 ideal for continuous processes where feed is in motion%u2022 Scoop samplers %u2013 these are used to take samples from bulk feed during transfer or storage.Each tool has its specific use case and selecting the right tool depends on factors such as the type of feed, particle size and the size of the lot. Automatic samplers, for instance, are beneficial in facilities with high throughput as they can consistently collect samples without interrupting the production process.Best practices for proper feed samplingRegular samplingSamples should be collected regularly, especially with every new batch of feed. This helps in identifying any variations in feed quality, which can be attributed to factors such as raw material differences, changes in production processes or storage conditions.Sampling when receivingCollecting small incremental samples from different areas helps obtain a more accurate representation of the entire feed batch. This method is particularly useful when sampling from bulk storage or during feed transfer.Clean equipmentSampling equipment must be clean and dry to prevent contamination. Residue from previous samples can affect the integrity of the current sample, leading to misleading results. Proper maintenance of sampling tools is also important to ensure they remain in good working condition.Proper storage of samplesAfter collection, samples should be stored in containers that prevent any alteration of the feed%u2019s properties. For dry samples, paper bags are recommended to avoid moisture buildup and mould growth. For moist or silage samples, airtight containers that can be vacuum-packed are preferable to maintain sample integrity.Labelling and recordkeepingAccurate labelling is crucial for tracking the origin and handling of the sample. Labels should include details such as the date of sampling, the origin of the feed, the size of the lot and a brief description of the sampling procedure. Proper recordkeeping helps in tracing back any issues to specific batches, facilitating quick and effective quality control actions.Standard operating proceduresProper sampling requires a thorough understanding of methodologies and protocols. Personnel must be trained in correct sampling techniques, equipment usage and safety precautions.Organisations must establish standard operating procedures to ensure consistent sampling practices. These SOPs should detail the steps for sampling, specify the equipment to be used and provide clear protocols for labelling and storage. Adherence to these standardised procedures is essential for maintaining the reliability of sample analysis.ConclusionProper sampling of feedstuffs is essential for effective feed management and safety. Accurate assessment of nutritional content and detection of contaminants, such as mycotoxins, rely on standardised sampling procedures. Improper sampling can lead to inaccurate analysis, posing health risks to livestock and causing economic losses for farmers and producers. By adhering to standardised methods, using suitable tools and ensuring proper personnel training, the accuracy and reliability of feed testing are significantly enhanced. 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