Sampling Instructions
• Producers should wear disposable gloves to prevent contamination of the sample with bacteria.
• Producers should plan on collecting samples for a minimum of 7 consecutive days. A sample should be collected from every calf feeding during the week.
• Samples must be thoroughly mixed (agitated) prior to collection.
• Milk Replacer samples should be prepared and received in liquid form. The lab will not reconstitute Milk Replacer samples.
• Samples should be collected in a leak proof vial. Vials (2 oz translucent lock top) can be purchased from Nelson Jameson (1-800-826-8302). The catalog number is 170-3206.
• Fill the leak proof vial ½ full with milk or milk replacer.
• Label the vial. Each vial should have the date and time (am, pm) of collection clearly written on it.
• Samples should be placed in a household freezer immediately after collection. Samples can remain in the freezer for up to 14 days before submission to the laboratory.
Shipping Instructions
• Veterinarians should completely fill out the WVDL Milk Submission Form (Total Solids request is included below the Liquid Feed request). An electronic copy of the Milk Submission form is available at the WVDL website: here.
• Request the Total Solids test.
• Package the samples with a sufficient number of ice packs to ensure they remain frozen
during shipment. Warm samples will be rejected.
• Send the samples by the most expeditious means. The laboratory should receive the samples within 24-36 hours. Samples submitted for both solids and bacterial quantification should be sent directly to the WVDL Barron Lab.
• Clients should schedule shipments to avoid weekend and holiday delivery of samples to the laboratory.