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Sample preparation as a key for feed analysis

20 January 202510 min reading

Holger Brecht
Sales Engineer | FRITSCH

Precise analyses are of central importance in the animal feed industry. They guarantee the quality of the products, compliance with legal requirements and ensure the health of humans and animals. Despite state-of-the-art analysers, however, inexplicable results occur time and again, raising doubts about the reliability of the measurements. The cause often lies in inadequate sample preparation. Therefore, adequate sample division and sample comminution are indispensable prerequisites for scientifically sound and reproducible analysis results.

An analyser - no matter how high-quality it is - can only deliver results as precise as the underlying sample allows. Sample preparation in terms of sample division and comminution is therefore a crucial step in the analysis, as it lays the foundation for reliable and accurate results. Precise results are particularly important when analysing feed for livestock farming. There are several reasons for this. Firstly, many countries have strict regulations and standards for analysing animal feed, especially for export products or in organic production. In addition, incorrect measurement of nutrients such as proteins, fats, carbohydrates, minerals and vitamins can affect the ration design and the nutrient supply of the animals. On the one hand, this has a detrimental effect on animal welfare and, on the other, favours delays and quality losses in breeding, which in turn can lead to additional costs. In addition, the analysis reveals any contamination of the feed with harmful substances such as mycotoxins, heavy metals or pesticides. Good sample preparation makes it possible to detect even the smallest amounts of these substances, which are dangerous for animals and humans.