All feed companies that distribute products in Louisiana are registered by the Administrative Section of the Department of Agricultural Chemistry. Inspectors for the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry collect Official Feed Samples and submit them to the Agricultural Chemistry laboratory for analysis to ensure accurate ingredient content.
Feed samples received are prepared as necessary by grinding and splitting into various portions for analysis by several units in the laboratory.
Analyses performed (using AOAC methods when available) on feeds include:
Fat (%) content is analyzed using the Soxtec extraction unit
Fiber (%) content is analyzed using Lab-Conco digstors
Protein (%) content is analyzed using Kjeldahl methods.
Tecator 2020 Block digester, Bran-Luebbe Auto analyzer
Urea in feeds is determined using the Lab-Conco Kjeldahl unit
Minerals such as P, K, Ca, Mg, Cu, Mn, Fe, Zn, S, B, and Na are determined by ICP
Antibiotics such as chlortetracycline, sulfamethazine and oxytetracycline are determined
using drug assays.
Results for Official Feed Samples are reported by the Administrative Section. Those feeds found deficient are subject to fines according to state law.
The Administrative Section maintains records of results, tracks payments for fines, maintains a mailing list of manufacturers and answers questions regarding Official Feed Samples. Annual reports of Official Feed Samples as well as tonnage records are published by the Administrative Section. The Administrative Section prepares information for hearings of the Feed Commission and also maintains records of their meetings.