Feed mill

[Md. Mohir Uddin]

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[Ibinabo Ilaboya]

The fat content in feed analysis is typically calculated through laboratory methods such as ether extraction, where the feed sample is treated with a solvent like ether to extract the fat, which is then measured gravimetrically.The fat content in feed analysis is typically calculated through laboratory methods such as ether extraction, where the feed sample is treated with a solvent like ether to extract the fat, which is then measured gravimetrically.

[Asia Community Manager]

CALCULATING FAT CONTENT IN FEED ANALYSIS

Fat content in feed analysis is typically determined by extracting the lipid fraction from a known amount of feed sample using organic solvents, followed by quantifying the extracted fat gravimetrically. The main steps and methods include:

Sample Preparation And Hydrolysis – the feed sample may undergo acid or base hydrolysis to break down the matrix and release bound fats, ensuring both free and bound lipids are measured.

Solvent Extraction – the prepared sample is extracted using lipophilic solvents such as diethyl ether, petroleum ether, or hexane. This is often done using Soxhlet extraction, Randall’s hot solvent extraction, or automated systems. The solvent dissolves the fat, separating it from the rest of the feed components.

Solvent Removal And Fat Quantification – after extraction, the solvent is evaporated, and the residue (fat) is dried and weighed. The fat content is calculated based on the difference between the initial sample weight and the residue weight.

This method is widely used due to its reliability and is often referred to as crude fat analysis. However, it can co-extract some non-fat components (e.g., amino acids, sugars), potentially causing slight overestimation.

Calculation:

Fat content (%) = (Weight of extracted fat / Weight of original feed sample) × 100

Other methods for analysing the fat content of feed include gas chromatography, and Near-Infrared (NIR) Spectroscopy.

For further information:

Animal Feed Testing: Considerations for Crude Fat Analysis – https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/animal-feed-testing-considerations-crude-fat-analysis-janna-moats/

Total Fat Determination in Feed according to the Randall method – https://www.velp.com/public/file/ser-158-total-fat-determination-in-feed-200862.pdf