Sample Preparation Techniques for Microhistological Analysis

A study was conducted to determine the influence of sample preparation procedures on the ratio of identifiable to nonidentifiable fragments in diet samples analyzed by microhistological analysis. The number of identifiable fragments on slides was significantly higher when samples were soaked in either bleach or sodium hydroxide in conjunction with use of Hertwig's clearing solution compared to the control, which involved the use of only Hertwig's clearing solution. The percentages by weight of grasses, forbs, and shrubs in two prepared diet samples were more accurately estimated when either sodium hydroxide or bleach was applied in comparison with the control. However, some plant species or plant parts may be destroyed by bleach or sodium hydroxide. Therefore, diet materials should also be examined through standard procedures before the decision is made to apply one of these treatments.This material was digitized as part of a cooperative project between the Society for Range Management and the University of Arizona Libraries.The Journal of Range Management archives are made available by the Society for Range Management and the University of Arizona Libraries. Contact lbry-journals@email.arizona.edu for further information.Migrated from OJS platform August 202