Ranch Diagnostics Lab

10/01/2026

Did you know the history behind the Ranch Diagnostics Lab?

Our story began in 1987, when the Ranching System Group at Texas A&M University began developing the technologies that would eventually become the foundation of our lab.

From the first cattle f***l NIRS equations developed and published in 1992, to the creation of the Grazingland Animal Nutrition Lab (GAN Lab) and the development of NUTBAL, the lab has spent decades turning research into practical tools for grazing animal nutrition and management.

In 2026, that legacy entered a new chapter as the GAN Lab became the Ranch Diagnostics Lab, expanding our work to support whole-ranch decision-making while continuing the f***l NIRS and nutritional services at the heart of the lab.

There’s a lot more to the story — including how these technologies have been used across the U.S. and around the world.

Explore the full History of the Ranch Diagnostics Lab: https://cgrm.tamu.edu/ranch-lab/

09/24/2026

The Ranch Lab analyzes f***l samples using near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS) to assess diet protein and energy.

These results, combined with animal and environmental data, inform the NUTBAL nutritional balance software.

Our NIRS/NUTBAL reporting options include:

Standard Report | $35
Includes estimates of diet crude protein and digestible organic matter, along with projected animal performance based on user-provided animal, environmental, and management information.

Advisory Report | $45
Includes everything in the Standard Report, plus a custom analysis of results based on user-supplied inputs. Follow-up with Ranch Diagnostics Lab personnel may be needed to verify inputs and refine recommendations.

Sheep, goats & wildlife | $35
Standard reports include diet crude protein and digestible organic matter, estimated nutrient intake based on diet quality, and reference nutrient requirements for each animal category.

Ready to submit samples?

Learn more about testing, sample collection, and submission at:
cgrm.tamu.edu/ranch-lab/

Questions? Contact us at: [email protected]

09/24/2026

The Grazingland Animal Nutrition Lab is now the Ranch Diagnostics Lab!

Our new name reflects the growth of our lab and our expanding mission to support livestock producers, land managers, researchers, and partners through science-based diagnostics and decision support.

While livestock nutrition remains at the heart of what we do, the Ranch Diagnostics Lab is expanding its capabilities to better connect animal nutrition, diagnostic testing, natural resources, and ranch management.

We’re excited for this next chapter as part of the Texas A&M Center for Grazinglands and Ranch Management (CGRM) and look forward to continuing to serve our producers, collaborators, and communities.

Read the Texas A&M AgriLife announcement:
https://agrilifetoday.tamu.edu/2026/08/26/texas-am-agrilife-lab-renamed-to-reflect-broader-ranch-wildlife-focus/

Learn more about the Ranch Diagnostics Lab:
cgrm.tamu.edu/ranch-lab/

09/16/2026

08/27/2026

We're excited to officially share our new chapter as the Ranch Diagnostics Lab!

Learn more about our new name and the broader mission behind it in the official Texas A&M AgriLife announcement:
https://agrilifetoday.tamu.edu/.../texas-am-agrilife-lab.../

The Grazingland Animal Nutrition Lab is now the Ranch Diagnostics Laboratory, reflecting an expanded focus on production diagnostics.

05/08/2026

04/22/2026

Happy Earth Day from the GAN Lab! 🌎🌱🫶🏼 Our work focuses on creating practical, science-driven solutions that make livestock and wildlife management more efficient and environmentally responsible. From reducing chemical waste to improving sustainability, every step forward matters. Move sustainability forward & Partner with the GAN Lab today!

04/03/2026

Amazing day at the GAN Lab!

We had the pleasure of hosting a group from for our "Train the Trainer" workshop as part of a new collaboration that’s just getting started.

Great conversations, great people, and lots of ideas ahead. This is just the beginning!

Thank you all for visiting Texas and spending the day with us!