Science Behind

Moisture Determination
The principle behind the determination of moisture content in feed samples is based on the concept of loss
on drying (LOD). This method measures the weight loss of a sample when it is subjected to drying at a
specified temperature for a specified period. The weight loss corresponds to the amount of moisture present
in the sample.
Differentiating The Wet and Dry Moisture Determination Methods for Feed Samples
Aspect Wet Moisture Determination Dry Moisture Determination
Method Method
Principle Chemical reaction (Karl Fischer Physical removal of water by heating
titration)
Procedure Sample reacted with Karl Fischer Sample heated in an oven or moisture
reagent analyzer
Equipment Used Karl Fischer titrator, reagents Oven, moisture analyzer, weighing
balance
Time Required Relatively quick (minutes) Can be longer (hours) depending on
method
Accuracy High accuracy for low moisture Moderate to high accuracy, may vary
contents
Sensitivity Highly sensitive to low moisture Less sensitive compared to wet
levels method
Suitability Suitable for samples with very low Suitable for a wide range of moisture
moisture levels
Sample Finely ground and uniform Finely ground and uniform
Preparation
Temperature Less influenced by temperature Highly influenced by temperature
Influence
Destructive Yes, sample is destroyed in the Yes, sample is destroyed in the
process process
Cost Higher due to specialized reagents and Lower, generally requires standard lab
equipment equipment
Common Low moisture content samples, Feed, grains, and general food
Applications pharmaceuticals products

The Karl Fischer titration method is a widely used wet chemical technique for determining the moisture
content in samples. It is based on a specific chemical reaction that quantifies water content precisely. Here's
a detailed explanation:

Principle of Karl Fischer Titration

The Karl Fischer reaction involves the quantitative reaction of water with iodine and sulfur dioxide in the
presence of an alcohol and a base. The main chemical reaction can be represented as follows:

H2O+I2+SO2+3RN→2RNHI+RNH-SO3R

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Prepared by Rashmika Chathuranga (UG)
South Eastern University of Sri Lanka
Here, RN represents a base, typically an amine. The main components involved in the Karl Fischer reagent
are:

• Iodine (I₂)
• Sulfur dioxide (SO₂)
• A base (typically imidazole or pyridine)
• An alcohol (typically methanol)

Procedure

1. Sample Preparation:
o The sample to be analyzed is finely ground to ensure homogeneity.
2. Reagent Preparation:
o Karl Fischer reagent, which includes iodine, sulfur dioxide, an alcohol, and a base, is
prepared or commercially obtained.
3. Titration:
o The sample is introduced into the Karl Fischer titration apparatus.
o The Karl Fischer reagent is added to the sample, and the titration process begins.
o The titration involves the gradual addition of iodine until all the water in the sample reacts.
4. End Point Detection:
o The end point of the titration is detected using a potentiometric method where the electrical
conductivity changes as the reaction progresses.
o Once all the water has reacted, the excess iodine is detected, indicating the end point of the
titration.
5. Calculation:
o The amount of reagent used is proportional to the water content in the sample.
o The moisture content is calculated based on the volume of Karl Fischer reagent consumed
during the titration.

Advantages of Karl Fischer Titration

• Accuracy: Highly accurate and specific for water content.

• Sensitivity: Can detect very low levels of moisture (ppm range).
• Versatility: Applicable to a wide range of samples, including solids, liquids, and gases.

Applications

• Pharmaceuticals: Moisture determination in drugs and active ingredients.

• Food and Feed: Determination of moisture in various food products and feed.
• Chemicals: Quality control in chemical manufacturing processes.
• Cosmetics: Ensuring the quality and shelf-life of cosmetic products.

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South Eastern University of Sri Lanka
Crude Protein Determination

Chemicals Used:

1. Sulfuric Acid (H₂SO₄):

o Reason for Use: Sulfuric acid is used for the digestion of the feed sample. It breaks down
organic matter and converts the nitrogen present in proteins into ammonium sulfate.
o Reaction:

Organic Nitrogen (in protein) →(NH₄) ₂SO

The sulfuric acid oxidizes the organic compounds, resulting in the liberation of nitrogen in the
form of ammonium ions (NH₄⁺).

2. Potassium Sulfate (K₂SO₄):

• Reason for Use: Potassium sulfate acts as a digestion accelerator. It raises the boiling point of
sulfuric acid, ensuring efficient and complete digestion of the organic matter.

3. Copper Sulfate (CuSO₄):

• Reason for Use: Copper sulfate serves as a catalyst in the digestion process, speeding up the
oxidation of organic material.

4. Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH):

• Reason for Use: Sodium hydroxide is added to the digested sample to make the solution alkaline,
which converts ammonium sulfate to ammonia gas (NH₃).
• Reaction:

(NH4)2SO4+2NaOH→2NH3+Na2SO4+2H2O

NaOH neutralizes the acid and releases ammonia gas from the ammonium sulfate.

5. Boric Acid:

• Reason for Use: Boric acid is used to capture the released ammonia gas during distillation. It forms
a complex with ammonia, which can then be titrated.
• Reaction:

NH3+H3BO3→NH4++H2BO3−

6. Hydrochloric Acid (HCl):

• Reason for Use: Hydrochloric acid is used in the titration process to determine the amount of
ammonia present in the sample.

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South Eastern University of Sri Lanka
 • Reaction:

NH4++Cl−→NH4Cl

The volume of HCl used in titration corresponds to the amount of ammonia present, which is
directly related to the nitrogen content.

7. Methyl Red Indicator:

o Reason for Use: Methyl red is a pH indicator used to determine the endpoint of the
titration.
o Reaction: Methyl red changes color at a specific pH, indicating when all the ammonia has
been neutralized by HCl.

Why is it compulsory to use concentrations of 0.1 HCL, 40% NaOH solution, and 4% boric acid? what will
be changed if the concentrations are changed?

Using specific concentrations of hydrochloric acid (HCl), sodium hydroxide (NaOH), and boric acid in the
determination of crude protein content in feed samples is crucial for the accuracy, efficiency, and reliability
of the test. Here's why each concentration is used and what would change if the concentrations were altered:

0.1 N Hydrochloric Acid (HCl):

Reason for Use:

• Standardization: 0.1 N HCl is a standard titrant concentration commonly used in analytical

chemistry for titration processes. Its standardization ensures accurate measurement and consistent
results across different tests.
• Sensitivity: The concentration is appropriate for detecting the small amounts of ammonia
generated from the sample, allowing for precise titration endpoints.

Impact of Changing Concentration:

• Higher Concentration (e.g., 1 N HCl): This would make the titration endpoint harder to detect
precisely because the pH change would be too abrupt, leading to potential over- or under-titration.
• Lower Concentration (e.g., 0.01 N HCl): This would require larger volumes to reach the endpoint,
increasing the titration time and potential for error due to more extended periods of handling and
reading measurements.

40% Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH) Solution:

Reason for Use:

• Efficiency: A 40% NaOH solution is sufficiently concentrated to rapidly convert ammonium

sulfate ((NH₄)₂SO₄) to ammonia gas (NH₃) during distillation.

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 • Completeness: Ensures complete reaction and release of ammonia from the digested sample
without requiring excessive volumes.

Impact of Changing Concentration:

• Higher Concentration (e.g., 50% NaOH): While it could still function, the solution may become
too caustic, posing safety risks and potentially damaging equipment.
• Lower Concentration (e.g., 20% NaOH): This would slow the reaction, potentially leading to
incomplete conversion of ammonium sulfate to ammonia and requiring larger volumes to achieve
the same effect.

4% Boric Acid Solution:

Reason for Use:

• Effective Capture: A 4% boric acid solution effectively captures the ammonia gas released during
distillation, forming ammonium borate, which can then be titrated.
• Indicator Compatibility: This concentration works well with the methyl red indicator used in the
titration process, ensuring clear and accurate endpoint detection.

Impact of Changing Concentration:

• Higher Concentration (e.g., 6% Boric Acid): While it might still work, it could lead to issues
with the titration process, as the buffering capacity might alter the pH range over which the
indicator changes color.
• Lower Concentration (e.g., 2% Boric Acid): This might result in incomplete capture of ammonia,
leading to lower detected ammonia levels and inaccurately low protein content results.

Summary:

Using the specified concentrations of 0.1 N HCl, 40% NaOH, and 4% boric acid ensures:

• Accurate and reproducible titration results.

• Efficient chemical reactions.
• Optimal safety and handling conditions.

Changing these concentrations would likely:

• Affect the accuracy and precision of the titration.

• Lead to incomplete reactions or inaccurate capture of ammonia.
• Alter the dynamics of the indicator’s color change, complicating endpoint detection.

Thus, maintaining the specified concentrations is crucial for obtaining reliable and valid results in the
determination of crude protein content in feed samples.

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Prepared by Rashmika Chathuranga (UG)
South Eastern University of Sri Lanka
Crude Fat Determination

Reasons for Using Petroleum Ether and Small Stones in Fat Analysis with the Gerhardt Soxtherm

Petroleum Ether:

1. Effective Solvent for Lipids:

o Petroleum ether is a non-polar solvent, making it highly effective in dissolving fats and
oils, which are also non-polar. This property allows it to extract lipids efficiently from the
feed samples.
2. Volatility:
o Petroleum ether is highly volatile, meaning it evaporates quickly during the extraction
process. This characteristic is advantageous for the Soxtherm extraction as it allows the
solvent to be easily removed, leaving behind the extracted fats.
3. Low Boiling Point:
o The low boiling point (30-60°C) of petroleum ether ensures that it does not degrade the fat
during the extraction process, maintaining the integrity of the extracted lipids.
4. Non-reactive Nature:
o Petroleum ether is chemically inert, meaning it does not react with the lipids or other
components in the sample. This ensures that the extraction is clean and the fats are not
chemically altered.
5. Ease of Handling:
o It is easy to handle and does not require special storage conditions. This makes it a
convenient choice for laboratory use.

Small Stones:

1. Even Heat Distribution:

o Small stones in the extraction beaker help distribute heat evenly during the extraction
process. This ensures that the sample is uniformly heated, improving the efficiency and
consistency of fat extraction.
2. Preventing Bumping:
o The presence of small stones in the beaker helps prevent bumping (sudden boiling and
splattering) of the solvent. This makes the extraction process safer and more controlled.
3. Enhanced Solvent Flow:
o Stones provide a rough surface that enhances the flow of solvent around the sample,
ensuring better contact between the solvent and the sample. This improves the extraction
efficiency.
o
4. Minimizing Sample Loss:
o The stones help keep the sample submerged and evenly distributed in the solvent,
minimizing the risk of sample loss during the extraction process.

In summary, petroleum ether is chosen for its effectiveness in dissolving fats, its volatility, low boiling
point, non-reactive nature, and ease of handling. Small stones are used to ensure even heat distribution,
prevent bumping, enhance solvent flow, and minimize sample loss, thereby improving the overall efficiency
and safety of the fat extraction process using the Gerhardt Soxtherm.

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South Eastern University of Sri Lanka
Definitions

Solvent:

A solvent is a substance, typically a liquid, that dissolves a solute (another substance) to form a solution.
The solvent is usually the component of the solution present in the greatest amount. In laboratory and
industrial processes, solvents are used to extract, dissolve, or transport other substances without chemically
altering them.

Non-polar Solvent:

A non-polar solvent is a solvent composed of molecules that have little to no difference in electronegativity
between the atoms, resulting in an even distribution of electrical charge. Non-polar solvents are typically
used to dissolve non-polar substances (like fats and oils). Because they do not mix well with water (a polar
solvent), they are often used in organic chemistry and extraction processes.

Examples of non-polar solvents include:

• Petroleum ether
• Hexane
• Benzene
• Chloroform

Solution:

A solution is a homogeneous mixture composed of two or more substances. In a solution, the solute (the
substance being dissolved) is uniformly distributed within the solvent (the substance doing the dissolving).
Solutions can exist in various phases—solid, liquid, or gas—but the most common type is a liquid solution.

For example, in the context of fat extraction:

• Solvent: Petroleum ether

• Solute: Fat extracted from the feed sample
• Solution: The mixture of petroleum ether and dissolved fat

The Gerhardt Soxhlet extractor, often referred to as Soxtherm, is an automated version of the traditional
Soxhlet extraction apparatus. It is used for the extraction of lipids from solid materials, such as feed samples.
Here's how it works:

Working Principle

1. Sample Preparation: The sample is finely ground and placed in a thimble made of filter paper.
This thimble is then placed in the extraction chamber of the Soxhlet extractor.
2. Solvent Addition: An organic solvent, typically hexane or petroleum ether, is added to the
extraction flask. This flask is connected to the extraction chamber.

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South Eastern University of Sri Lanka
 3. Heating: The solvent is heated in the extraction flask. As it boils, the solvent vapor rises up through
the distillation arm and condenses in the water-cooled condenser located above the extraction
chamber.
4. Extraction Process:
o The condensed solvent drips into the extraction chamber containing the sample.
o The solvent extracts the lipids from the sample by dissolving them.
o When the solvent in the extraction chamber reaches a certain level, it siphons back into the
extraction flask, carrying the dissolved lipids with it.
o This process is repeated multiple times, ensuring thorough extraction of lipids from the
sample.
5. Solvent Recovery: The lipid-laden solvent collects in the extraction flask. The Soxtherm system
can then be programmed to recover the solvent by distillation, leaving the extracted lipids in the
flask.
6. Automation and Efficiency: The Soxtherm extractor automates and speeds up the Soxhlet
extraction process. It uses multiple extraction steps (extraction, rinsing, and drying) in one
continuous process. The automated system ensures consistent results and improves extraction
efficiency.

Key Features

• Automation: Reduces manual handling and monitoring, improving reproducibility and safety.
• Time Efficiency: Accelerates the extraction process compared to the traditional Soxhlet method.
• Solvent Efficiency: Optimizes the use of solvents, often requiring less solvent for extraction.
• Safety: Enclosed system reduces the risk of exposure to harmful solvents.

Applications

• Lipid extraction in feed and food samples.

• Determination of fat content in various materials.
• Environmental analysis for the extraction of pollutants from soil and sediments.

By automating the Soxhlet extraction process, the Gerhardt Soxtherm enhances productivity, precision, and
safety in laboratories conducting lipid analysis.

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South Eastern University of Sri Lanka
Crude Fiber Determination

Reasons For Using Fibrebag and Antifoam in Fiber Analysis

FibreBags:

1. Standardized Filtration Conditions: FibreBags are designed to standardize the filtration process,
ensuring reproducible results by providing a consistent pore width.
2. Improved Handling and Digestion: They simplify the handling and digestion of samples,
eliminating common problems associated with classical filtration methods using frits and filter
beds.
3. Efficiency: The large filtration surface area of FibreBags allows for easier digestion, washing, and
filtration of samples, accommodating larger sample weights.
4. Single-Use Convenience: Each FibreBag is used once, ensuring that every analysis is conducted
under the same conditions without contamination from previous samples.
5. Better Results: The high-precision special textile used in FibreBags contributes to better and more
reliable results by avoiding issues like sample loss and incomplete filtration

Antifoam:

1. Preventing Foam Formation: Antifoam is used to prevent foam formation during the digestion
and filtration processes. Foam can disrupt the procedure and lead to inaccurate results.
2. Maintaining Process Efficiency: By preventing foam, antifoam ensures the smooth operation of
the FIBRETHERM system, allowing for consistent and uninterrupted processing of samples.
3. Enhancing Accuracy: The presence of foam can interfere with the precise addition of reagents
and the filtration process, leading to potential errors. Antifoam helps maintain the accuracy of the
analysis.

Differentiating FibreBags for ADF, NDF, and RF

Feature ADF FibreBags NDF FibreBags RF FibreBags

Purpose For determining Acid For determining Neutral For determining Residual Fiber
Detergent Fiber (ADF) Detergent Fiber (NDF) (RF) content, focusing on the
content, which includes content, which includes fiber that remains after specific
cellulose and lignin. hemicellulose, cellulose, and extractions.
lignin.

Reagents Used Acid detergent solution Neutral detergent solution with Specific reagents depending on
heat-resistant amylase the residue to be analyzed
Component Cellulose, lignin Hemicellulose, cellulose, Variable, depending on the
Analysis lignin specific analysis method used
Sample May require more Requires the addition of Handling varies based on the
Handling intensive digestion due to amylase to break down specific residue being analyzed.
the presence of lignin. starches during the process.

Application in Used to assess the Used to evaluate the total fiber Used to analyze the remaining
Feed Analysis indigestible portion of the content that affects feed intake fiber content after other
plant material that affects and digestibility. components have been
the feed's nutritional extracted, providing additional
value. nutritional insights.

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South Eastern University of Sri Lanka
 Working Principle of Fibretherm Fiber Analyzer

The FIBRETHERM Fiber Analyzer operates based on an automated system for the digestion and filtration
processes required for determining various fiber fractions in feedstuffs, such as crude fiber, ADF (Acid
Detergent Fiber), and NDF (Neutral Detergent Fiber). The key components and steps of the working
principle are as follows:

Working Principle of FIBRETHERM Fiber Analyzer

1. Sample Preparation:
o The sample is weighed and placed in a FibreBag; a high-precision filter bag made from
special textile that ensures standardized filtration conditions.
2. Automated Digestion:
o The FIBRETHERM system automates the digestion process by controlling the addition of
reagents (acid or alkali) to the sample. The digestion takes place in a closed system,
ensuring that the samples are fully immersed in the digestion solution.
o A programmable dosing unit adds the necessary reagents in precise amounts, and the glass-
ceramic heating surface ensures uniform and quick heating of the samples.
3. Boiling and Washing:
o The system automates the boiling process to ensure complete digestion of the sample. After
boiling, the samples are washed with hot water to remove the digestion reagents.
o The washing process is also automated, ensuring that all residues of the reagents are
thoroughly washed out, and the fibre components are left for filtration.
4. Filtration:
o The FibreBags with the digested sample are then subjected to filtration within the system.
The large filtration surface of the FibreBags facilitates efficient separation of the fibre
components from the liquid phase.
o The filtration process is optimized by the design of the FibreBags and the system’s
automatic handling, which avoids issues like clogging and ensures complete filtration.

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South Eastern University of Sri Lanka
 5. Reagent Addition and Further Digestion (for NDF Analysis):
o For NDF analysis, heat-resistant amylase is added to break down starches during the
digestion process. This is done automatically through an external dosing pump, which can
be programmed for the exact timing and quantity of amylase addition.
6. Drying and Weighing:
o After filtration, the FibreBags containing the fibre residues are dried. The dried FibreBags
are then weighed to determine the fibre content.
o The precise filtration and drying conditions ensure that the weight measurements are
accurate, leading to reliable analysis results.
7. Incineration:
o The FibreBags, along with the sample residues, are incinerated to ensure that all organic
matter is removed, and only the fibre content is left. This step is crucial for determining the
ash content and correcting the final fibre measurements.

Benefits and Features

• Automation: FIBRETHERM automates the entire process, reducing manual intervention and the
potential for human error. It handles the boiling, washing, filtration, and reagent addition
automatically.
• Standardization: The use of FibreBags standardizes the filtration process, ensuring consistent and
reproducible results.
• Efficiency: The system allows simultaneous processing of multiple samples (up to 12), saving time
and reducing chemical consumption compared to manual methods.
• Safety: The closed system minimizes user contact with hazardous chemicals, enhancing lab safety.
• Precision: Automated control of all parameters ensures precise and reliable results, which are
crucial for nutritional analysis of feedstuffs.

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South Eastern University of Sri Lanka
 HPLC High-performance liquid chromatography
High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) is a broad analytical chemistry technique used to
separate compounds in a chemical mixture. These separations utilize the pressure-driven flow of a mobile
phase through a column packed with a stationary phase.

1 Overview of HPLC
HPLC is an abbreviation for High Performance Liquid Chromatography. "Chromatography" is a technique
for separation, "chromatogram" is the result of chromatography, and "chromatograph" is the instrument
used to conduct chromatography.
Among the various technologies developed for chromatography, devices dedicated for molecular separation
called columns and high-performance pumps for delivering solvent at a stable flow rate are some of the key
components of chromatographs. As related technologies became more sophisticated, the system commonly
referred to as High Performance Liquid Chromatography, simply became referred to as "LC". Nowadays,
Ultra High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (UHPLC), capable of high-speed analysis, has also
become more wide-spread.
Only compounds dissolved in solvents can be analyzed with HPLC. HPLC separates compounds dissolved
in a liquid sample and allows qualitative and quantitative analysis of what components and how much of
each component are contained in the sample.
Fig.1 shows a basic overview of the HPLC process. The solvent used to separate components in a liquid
sample for HPLC analysis is called the mobile phase. The mobile phase is delivered to a separation column,
otherwise known as the stationary phase, and then to the detector at a stable flow rate controlled by the
solvent delivery pump. A certain amount of sample is injected into the column and the compounds
contained in the sample are separated. The compounds separated in the column are detected by a detector
downstream of the column and each compound is identified and quantified.

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 2 The Apparatus of the HPLC
The “Basic Overview of the HPLC process"(As shown in Fig.1) and its mechanisms have now been
covered. Going into more detail, HPLC consists of a variety of components, including a solvent delivery
pump, a degassing unit, a sample injector, a column oven, a detector, and a data processor. Fig.2 shows the
HPLC flow diagram and the role of each component.

As for HPLC, the pump delivers the mobile phase at a controlled flow rate(a). Air can easily dissolve in
the mobile phase under the standard atmospheric pressure in which we live in. If the mobile phase contains
air bubbles and enters the delivery pump, troubles such as flow rate fluctuations and baseline noise/drift
may occur. The degassing unit helps prevent this issue by removing air bubbles in the mobile phase(b).
After the dissolved air has been removed, the mobile phase is delivered to the column. The sample injector
then introduces a standard solution or sample solution into the mobile phase (c). Temperature fluctuations
can affect the separation of compounds in the column. The column is placed in a column oven to keep the
temperature constant(d). Compounds eluted from the column are detected by a detector which is placed
downstream of the column(e). A workstation processes the signal from the detector to obtain a
chromatogram to identify and quantify the compounds(f).

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 3 HPLC Separation
HPLC can separate and detect each compound by the difference of each compound's speed through the
column. Fig.3 shows an example of HPLC separation.
There are two phases for HPLC: the mobile phase and the stationary phase. The mobile phase is the liquid
that dissolves the target compound. The stationary phase is the part of a column that interacts with the target
compound.
In the column, the stronger the affinity (e.g.; van der waals force) between the component and the mobile
phase, the faster the component moves through the column along with the mobile phase. On the other hand,
the stronger the affinity with the stationary phase, the slower it moves through the column. Fig. 3 shows an
example in which the yellow component has a strong affinity with the mobile phase and moves quickly
through the column, while the pink component has a strong affinity with the stationary phase and moves
through slowly. The elution speed in the column depends on the affinity between the compound and the
stationary phase.

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 4 How to Read a Chromatogram
The word "chromatogram" means a plot obtained via chromatography. Fig.4 shows an example of
a chromatogram. The chromatogram is a two-dimensional plot with the vertical axis showing concentration
in terms of the detector signal intensity and the horizontal axis representing the analysis time. When no
compounds are eluted from the column, a line parallel to the horizontal axis is plotted. This is called the
baseline. The detector responds based on the concentration of the target compound in the elution band. The
obtained plot is more like the shape of a bell rather than a triangle. This shape is called a “peak”.
Retention time (tR) is the time interval between sample injection point and the apex of the peak. The
required time for non-retained compounds (compounds with no interaction for the stationary phase) to go
from the injector to the detector is called the dead time (t0).
The peak height (h) is the vertical distance between a peak's apex and the baseline, and the peak area
(A) colored in light blue is the area enclosed by the peak and baseline. These results will be used for the
qualitative and quantitative analysis of a sample's components.

Using an HPLC (High-Performance Liquid Chromatography) instrument in a feed mill laboratory is

crucial for several reasons. Here are some key uses:

1. Nutrient Analysis:
o Amino Acids: Determining the amino acid profile of feed ingredients to ensure balanced
nutrition.
o Vitamins: Quantifying water-soluble and fat-soluble vitamins to ensure feed meets
nutritional requirements.

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 2. Mycotoxin Detection:
o Aflatoxins, Ochratoxins, and Fusarium Toxins: Identifying and quantifying
mycotoxins, which are toxic metabolites produced by certain fungi, to ensure feed safety.
3. Additive Analysis:
o Preservatives and Antioxidants: Measuring concentrations of preservatives like BHA,
BHT, and antioxidants to ensure proper levels and prevent feed spoilage.
4. Fatty Acid Profile:
o Lipids and Fatty Acids: Analyzing the fatty acid composition of fats and oils in feed to
maintain the energy content and essential fatty acid levels.
5. Antibiotic Residue Monitoring:
o Residues in Feed: Detecting and quantifying antibiotic residues to comply with
regulations and ensure the safety of feed.
6. Pigment Analysis:
o Carotenoids and Xanthophylls: Determining the levels of pigments, which can affect
the coloration of egg yolks and poultry skin.
7. Sugar and Carbohydrate Analysis:
o Sugars and Oligosaccharides: Analyzing simple and complex carbohydrates to
understand the energy content and digestibility of the feed.
8. Contaminant Detection:
o Pesticides and Herbicides: Identifying and quantifying potential contaminants to ensure
feed safety and regulatory compliance.
9. Pharmaceuticals and Coccidiostats:
o Additives: Monitoring levels of pharmaceuticals and coccidiostats used to prevent
diseases in poultry.

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South Eastern University of Sri Lanka