The University of Kentucky Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (UKVDL) performs forage nitrate/nitrite testing and accepts samples from veterinarians, extension agents, and producers. Nitrate accumulation in forages is a real concern this season due to current drought conditions.

A panel including both nitrate and nitrite analyses costs $15 per sample, and turnaround time is one to three business days.

Sample Collection Guidelines

Proper sample collection is crucial for correct interpretation of results. The sample should represent what animals will be eating, so collect the entire part of the plant that will be fed. Collect a number of smaller samples to form a large representative composite sample. If different regions of a field were treated differently, then submit separate composite samples for each different region. Sample different cuttings, batches, or fields separately, and submit them as separate samples