It's important for producers to know the vitamin and mineral statuses of animals in their operation but it takes more than a simple glance to accurately determine. A new three-part publication series from Iowa Pork Industry Center, "Sample Collection and Handling for Vitamin and Mineral Analyses," can help producers learn how to properly take feed and biological samples as part of the diagnostic process.

Lead author and graduate student Sarah Elefson says vitamin and mineral statuses are important to ensure that diets fed to the animal provide adequate nutrients and that the animal's vitamin and mineral status are sufficient.

"When there is a potential nutritional deficiency or toxicity, it is critical to take proper feed and biological samples, and handle them appropriately to help narrow down the cause of the nutritional issue accurately," she says. "Improper sample collection and handling can lead to inaccurate vitamin and mineral analysis results."

These resources offer information on the importance of proper blood sampling techniques and choice of blood tube for collection to avoid inaccurate vitamin and mineral analysis, and how storage can potentially affect the nutrient status of tissues. The first publication provides a general overview of sample collection, the second is focused on blood sample collection and the third covers biological sample collection and storage, she says.

"These three publications are short and to the point, with photos and figures to illustrate the information," Elefson says. "None are more than three pages and each highlights key points in collecting feed and biological samples intended for vitamin and mineral analysis."

Download these pdf publications at no charge from the ISU Extension store.

Source: Iowa Pork Industry Center, which is solely responsible for the information provided, and wholly owns the information. Informa Business Media and all its subsidiaries are not responsible for any of the content contained in this information asset.