Why to sample feed and what to look for?

-        is needed to monitor compliance with nutritional standards.

-        Should be conducted separately on at least 10% of the stocks (i.e., bags) for each production batch. For the following 60 days, an additional 100 g sample for each production batch should be stored in a sealed plastic bag for future reference.

-        When the feed is suspected to be causing a problem, other compartments within the facility that were fed from the same feed batch for the last four weeks should be identified, and the health condition and production data of the animals compared.

-        In case of dry feeds, no specific pretreatment (i.e., homogenization by cutting, chopping, blending) is necessary.

Any microbiological or chemical contamination should be avoided during the sampling through the general precautions described below:

-        Cool, dry, well-ventilated store room.

-        Keep the storage area away from sources of fungal or insect contamination.

-        Use wooden pallets; do not stack directly on the floor.

-        Adequate spacing.

-         Avoid rough handling.

-        Protect the storage from insects and rodents and keep it clean.

Representativeness

 Samples should represent the entire batch from which they were collected.

 Advantages

-        Aids in diagnosis of fish disease conditions.

-        Selection of optimum feed type meeting the fish's requirements.

-        Improve formula.

-        Help maximize feed efficiencies and productivity.

-        Feed management is also a part of environmental management.

           Risks/limitations

-        Non-representative sample can lead to false interpretation.

-        Wastage and pollution.

-        The resulting diagnosis will not lead to an appropriate and costly decision.