Quality control of compound feeds and feed raw materials is a key factor in the successful functioning of modern livestock, poultry and fish farms. A comprehensive analysis of compound feed allows us to assess its real nutritional value, balance in terms of macro- and micronutrients, and confirm its toxicological and microbiological safety for livestock. The Feed Analysis laboratory uses a wide range of measuring and analytical equipment to verify the compliance of finished products with strict government standards and prescription charts.
Key quality indicators and stages of compound feed research
The evaluation of ready-made feed mixtures is based on the determination of physico-mechanical, chemical and biological parameters. Each of these indicators directly affects the digestibility of feed, animal health, and the final conversion (efficiency of use) of diets. If you know how the quality of compound feed is determined and use reliable equipment, you can get a lot of advantages.
Laboratory control includes the study of the following important technological characteristics:
- Organoleptic parameters: visual assessment of the appearance, color, uniformity, and odor characteristic of a particular feed recipe (without signs of mustiness, mold, or rot).
- Indicators of freshness and stability: fixation of acid and peroxide numbers of fat, the excess of which indicates oxidative damage and rancidity of the feed during storage.
- Biological safety: monitoring of residual amounts of mycotoxins, heavy metal salts, pesticides, pathogenic microflora (salmonella, colibacteria) and general toxicity of raw materials.
Equipment for the feed analysis laboratory
Such devices are in demand in the modern market:
- Near-infrared IR analyzers (spectrometers): high-speed rapid monitoring devices that allow simultaneous determination of moisture, protein, fat, fiber and ash content in a sample of mixed feed in one to two minutes without chemical reagents.
- Kjeldahl distillers and Dumas analyzers: classic arbitration equipment for the fixation of total nitrogen and crude protein by wet chemistry or high-temperature combustion.
- Automatic fiber detection systems (firetexts): installations for precision analysis of crude fiber content by sequential leaching with acids and alkalis.
Systematic laboratory analysis of compound feeds ensures that diets meet the physiological needs of animals and protects farms from financial losses.