Silage and Compound Feed

Supplemental animal feeding is an invaluable way of ensuring appropriate animal nutrition. Getting a feed test before buying or feeding your animals gives you the information you need to make sound decisions that can help increase your productivity. We have a full range of tests for pasture and forage quality, silage quality and compound feed groups. We can also test your feed for nitrates and microbiological contamination.

Silage Testing

The quality of silage is highly dependent on the quality of the forage harvested and the type of fermentation that has occurred. These factors will influence palatability to livestock, livestock productivity, dry matter losses and the risk of toxins forming in the silage. Even under ideal conditions, loss of at least 8% of the forage dry matter is expected throughout the ensiling process. For a more complete listing of our silage testing options and the associated test details, download our silage technical note.

Compound Feed Testing

Compound Feed by definition are made from many different components, normally comprising materials such as grains, meals, pellets, Palm Kernel (PKE) and food by-products used for animal feed. Understanding the quality and composition of these feeds is important to ensure that an animal's diet is appropriately balanced for optimal output. For a more complete listing of our compound feed testing options and the associated test details, download our technical note specifically designed for compound feed testing.

Nitrate Feed Testing

The nitrate component of pasture or feeds is absorbed very quickly into the bloodstream of ruminant animals. When the level of dietary nitrate is high, some of the absorbed nitrate is converted to nitrite, which reduces the ability of the blood (haemoglobin) to carry oxygen. “Nitrate Poisoning” is actually a form of suffocation (anoxia). To ensure that the risk of nitrate poisoning is appropriately managed we recommend using our Nitrate Feed Testing services.

Microbiological Feed Testing

Hill Labs offers analysis for both Salmonella and Listeria to help prevent occurrences of Listeriosis in sheep and cattle resulting from the infection of the bacterium Listeria monocytogenes. The source of the bacterium is often linked to contaminated animal feed. 

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Christmas Hours 2023/2024

With the holiday season fast approaching, our hours will differ from usual. Click here to view our opening hours over the 2023/2024 festive season or they can also be found on our website. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us on 0508 44 555 22 or email us at mail@hill-labs.co.nz
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Hill News November 2023 - Update From Our CEO, Dr Jonno Hill

The cliché “change is the only constant” is as true now as it’s ever been. Within our changing climate, we have apparently just kicked over from La Nina to El Nino, which is likely to lead to more rain on the west coast and more drought on the east. Hats off to our farmers, who must do the best they can within unpredictable and sometimes severe weather events.
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Our Dedicated Beverage Testing Lab

In the heart of Marlborough, we have a dedicated beverage testing laboratory with local knowledgeable staff and precision equipment. Leading the charge in supporting the beverage industry is Vanessa Burrows - our Blenheim Site and Key Account Manager - who is backed by an experienced team that have built an extensive network of clients across New Zealand.
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What our customers have to say

"We've always found them to be responsive in getting results back and giving advice on problems we might be facing."

Andrew Hutchinson, Technical Manager, Turners & Growers

"We strongly recommend Hill Labs as a sound testing service provider to the honey industry."

Nick Walker, Technical Manager, Egmont Honey

"Their sample registration system has made things simple and seamless - collect, scan and send!"

Mathew Bannister, Compliance Manager, First Fresh New Zealand

"My overall experience with Hill Laboratories is friendly, competent, trustworthy."

Dr. Jakob Kleinmans, Forage Nutritionist, NutriAssist Ltd

"The fact that their experienced agricultural Client Services team are always there to give their input is a fantastic resource."

Ben Meehan, Agronomic Support, Gavins Limited

“I can wholeheartedly recommend Hills, not only for their range of testing capabilities but also for their excellent client service."

Jared White, Audit Manager, BioGro New Zealand Ltd

Accreditations

As a New Zealand accredited laboratory by International Accreditation New Zealand (IANZ), Hill Labs' commitment to quality is tantamount to our overall operating philosophy. We pride ourselves on the quality of our work.