How to Handle Animal Manure Samples?
• A: Manure samples can come in different forms: solid, liquid, or slurry. They need to be handled properly to ensure safe shipment to the laboratory. Solid samples: Place about 1 pound of representative solid sample, such as poultry litter and feedlot manure, in a quart sized plastic bag. Do not use soil or forage bags for manure samples because some nutrients may be lost before testing. Put completed sample label on the bag and place it in a second plastic bag the same size or larger for extra safety. Liquid or slurry samples: Liquid and slurry samples should be placed in a quart sized plastic bottle with a screw top lid (it can be ordered from the lab). Do not use glass bottle since it may break. Bottle should be filled at least half way with representative sample. Screw lid on tightly. Put sample label on the bottle and place the container in a zip-lock plastic bag. Use cardboard boxes to ship sample bottles and bags. Pack the box tightly with expanded Styrofoam peanuts or shredded
