On the first day of our on-the-job training, we had our orientation about the two laboratories of

the department of agriculture and pre-assessment exam about the services offered and
organization of the cagayan valley integrated agricultural laboratory. On our first week, we were
all assigned in the regional soils laboratory. During our first week, we were taught about the
basic procedures in the laboratory such as how to properly handle apparatuses and equipments,
and what are the do’s and don’ts inside the laboratory. On our second week, we were distributed
into the different laboratories and I was assigned in the regional feed chemical analysis
laboratory. During my scheduled routine, I was able to perform four analysis in the feed
laboratory, such as the protein analysis, fiber analysis, fat analysis and the aflatoxin analysis.

In feed chemical analysis, we perform proximate analysis of the feed, corn and other samples.
For the protein analysis, under the supervision of Engr. Rozzel Macarubbo, we first mill the
sample. Then, weigh 5 grams of milled feeds and put into the digestion tube. We add 2 kjeltabs
and 15 ml sulfuric acid using a calibrated dispensette. We transfer the digestion tubes into the
auto digestor connected to a scrubber and set for 1 hour digestion. After digestion, we transfer
the tubes one by one into the distillation unit, set the distillation unit and start the process. The
distillate will be titrated to until a certain color indicator is achieved. Then, the values will be
recorded.

For the fat analysis, under the supervision of sir Rommel Culili, we first mill the sample (e.g.
feed and food), then, weigh 2 grams from milled sample, put into a filter bag and seal. Weigh
and cord the final weight of the sample in the filter bag. Then, we transfer the filter bags into the
extration system, set and start the process. After extraction, the filter bags are transferred to the
oven for drying. The final product will be weighed and recorded to get the difference of the final
and initial weight of the sample.

For the fiber analysis, we followed the same procedure with the fat analysis, but the samples
were transferred into the fiber analyzer unit, set the equipment and start process. Fiber content
was obtained through the difference of the final and initial weight of the sample after oven
drying.

From this first three analysis, an alternate procedure can be conducted which is easier and
convenient. This is done by using the Perten DA 7250 N Infrared Radiation (NIR) equipment,
wherein, we transfer the sample into a black plate and put into the equipment and after a few
seconds, the monitor displays the result for the proximate analysis of the sample. Although it is
easier to use, the first three standard procedures are preferred over this process because it
provides more accurate results than the latter.

For the aflatoxin analysis, under the supervision of sir Iain Fontanilla, we first weigh 5 grams of
the corn samples and put into a plastic container and add 10 ml distilled water and shake for 3
minutes.

On my last three remaining weeks which I spent in the regional soils laboratory, I was able to
perform the following analysis: phosphorus analysis, potassium analysis, pH analysis and
fertilizer analysis.