Fibre analysis work by FOSS published

The article entitled ‘Gravimetric Determination of Acid Detergent Fibre
(ADF) and Lignin (ADL) in Feed: Interlaboratory Study‘ has been written by
Dr Jürgen Möller of FOSS. It describes the method behind the new global standard
for ADF and ADL that has recently been approved by CEN and ISO (EN ISO
13906:2008). The article is scheduled for publication in the January/February,
2009 edition.

New standard for international trade
The method
described in the article is based on the AOAC Official Method 973.18. This makes
it possible to use a globally harmonized standard protocol for the determination
of Acid Detergent Fibre (ADF) and Lignin (ADL) and opens-up the opportunity to
use the ADF and ADL parameters for labelling purposes in international trade.

“The standard enables official bodies to require fibre guarantees on
livestock feed labels and it enables international trade on basis of a
harmonised protocol,” said Möller. Acid detergent fiber is a good indicator of
digestibility and thus energy intake. In many countries, the parameter
is complementing or replacing crude fibre. The protocol is also used for
the determination of protein quality, acid detergent insoluble protein or
nitrogen, that is, the protein that is not accessible for
digestion.

Fibertec™ system as an optimal solution
The standard
is also important for the ISO 17025 accreditation of laboratories using the FOSS
Fibertec™ system and for the development of NIR prediction models. Laboratories
no longer need to worry about the validity of their methods – by following the
standard, the results will be valid worldwide. The Fibertec instrument is an
optimal solution and was used at 18 of the 22 labs involved in the
inter-laboratory study.

Related websites:
The Journal of AOAC
International   
FOSS  

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