Sending in a sample for testing to a laboratory involves a lot of steps. The end result is data that customers need for a variety of business purposes. In the following sections, there is information about each of the labs at Dairy One and the processes that each team follows.
Forage Lab
Within the Forage Lab, there are many diverse samples that are submitted for analysis. When a sample first arrives, it is processed through the Sign-In Department. Here a sample is assigned a number and data is entered into the forage system for the analysis requested by the customer. Depending on the test requested, the sample will either head to the ovens to remove excess moisture or move directly to the analysis phase of the process.
There are many departments within the Forage Lab that specialize in different analyses. These include Protein, Fibers, and Minerals, along with NIR and Special Services. Each team tests to identify different nutrients found within a submitted sample, and there are numerous instruments used during these processes. From rumen digestion simulation to spectral collection, the sample is taken through these groups to procure the data about it. When testing is completed, the collected data is reviewed by the Quality Assurance Team before being emailed to the customer.
Soil Lab
Similar to the Forage Lab, the Soil Lab receives submitted samples from customers. In this instance, the samples are all various types of soil. Submitted samples are signed in and assigned numbers to keep track of them from start to finish.
From sandy to clumpy, the soil samples are all dried in ovens before being ground down to usable samples. Once again, the samples are then tested using different instruments to yield information requested by the customer. These include using an iCAP instrument for determining mineral nutrients.
After testing, sample data is reviewed and then sent out to customers. They use generated data to create management plans for their various growing needs. From greenhouses to golf courses, many industries rely on soil to help with plant growth.
Check Mark Lab
All dairy farms are required to provide a milk bulk tank sample with every shipment that is sent out to a milk processor. This sample needs to be tested in a lab to identify any possible bacteria within the milk that could cause harm during consumption. The Check Mark Lab will test these samples to confirm bacteria levels and to clear a milk shipment for use.
Additionally, the Check Mark Lab provides calibrations that other labs use when testing samples. They generate weekly reports to help other labs properly calibrate their instruments for testing purposes. As with the other laboratories, these teams also rely on different instruments to complete these tests
Animal Health Diagnostic Lab
When it comes to identifying certain diseases in mammals, their blood and milk can be used for analysis to determine if they are healthy or not. One of the most popular tests in the Animal Health Diagnostic Lab is a pregnancy test for cows. But, they can also run pregnancy testing for goats, sheep, and even water buffalo!
For cows, the team screens samples for diseases such as Johne’s or Bovine Viral Diarrhea. Both of these sicknesses can spread through a herd and could lead to death. Catching these problems early helps with treatment.
The team spends significant time preparing samples for analysis. These samples have to incubate over time before being processed through instruments. However, once tests are done, results are quickly sent to farmers to aid with making animal care decisions.
Milk Lab
Within the Milk Lab, there is plenty of data generated every day. Milk samples from a variety of herd sizes are sent in for analysis. The process is relatively straightforward, where samples are loaded onto a holder that runs them through an analyzer instrument to report on component levels.
There are also different labs within the Milk Lab that aid with the quality goals that dairies set. Each of them processes milk samples using either instruments or other testing procedures to collect data for individuals.
Dairy One works with many customers who send in all types of samples for analysis in the labs. From milk to forage to soil, all of these samples move through orderly procedures as they are tested. The information generated helps customers with their management goals. For more details about all of Dairy One’s services, email [email protected].