Determination of Crude Ash in Feeds: Determination of Mineral Content

Ash Determination Methods in Feed

Ash determination by definition is the process of calculating the inorganic residue remaining after all organic parts of feeds are burned at high temperature. Crude ash analysis method is an important analysis used to determine the mineral content in feeds. This process is done to determine the mineral content remaining after burning the organic components of feeds. Mineral analysis plays a critical role in meeting the nutritional requirements of animals and evaluates the quality and nutritional value of feeds.

What is Crude Ash?

Crude ash is the mineral residue left behind after incineration of a feed sample. This residue, obtained by burning organic compounds, usually contains inorganic components (phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, potassium, etc.).

Chemical Structure: Mainly composed of minerals: calcium, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, sodium, iron, copper, zinc, etc.

Areas of Use: It is used to determine the mineral content of feeds when creating animal feeding programs. Healthy growth of animals is supported by ensuring mineral balance.

Feeds consist of water and dry matter. Dry matter consists of organic and inorganic parts. While nutrients such as protein, fat, cellulose, starch, sugar in the feed constitute the organic part; macro elements such as calcium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, sodium, salt (NaCl) and micro elements such as iron, copper, zinc constitute the inorganic part.

The entire amount of ash remaining after incineration is not considered as inorganic matter. Because there may be elements such as soil, sand and dust in the feed. Therefore, the amount of ash obtained is called crude ash.

Why is Crude Ash Determination Necessary?

1. Mineral Evaluation:
• Mineral Requirements of Animals: Crude ash analysis is necessary to determine the amount of minerals and nutrients required by animals.
• Deficiency Detection: In cases where minerals are deficient in a feed, necessary corrective measures are taken.
2. Quality Control:
• Nutritive Value of Feed: The mineral content and quality of feeds are important to ensure the correct feeding program for animals.
• Feed Mixtures: Mineral balance is ensured in feed mixtures obtained by mixing different feeds.

In Which Feeds Crude Ash Determination is Applied?

1. Feed Ingredients:
• Grain feeds: Grains such as barley, wheat, corn.
• Certified feeds: Plant-based feeds such as soybean meal, sunflower meal.
• Feed additives: Minerals, vitamins and enzymes.
2. Animal Groups:
• Dairy cattle: Weaned calves, milk cows.
• Meat animals: Veal, sheep, lamb, chicken, turkey.
• Laying hens: Feeds used to improve the quality of eggs.
3. Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Livestock:
• Food safety regulations: Mineral content of feed is checked to prevent unregistered feed from being placed on the market.

In general, the ash content of feeds should be around 10% at most. In feeds of animal origin, this value increases up to 20% and is a parameter that should be controlled in feeds.

Nano-lab Laboratories Group continues to provide services within the scope of Crude Ash Determination in Feeds. We also provide services in various Feed Analyzes.

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