ISO 5985 - Determination of Insoluble Ash in Hydrochloric Acid in Feed: Nutrient Analysis

What is Insoluble Ash in Hydrochloric Acid in Feed?

What is Insoluble Ash in Hydrochloric Acid?

Ash in feed is generally the accumulation of inorganic compounds left behind by the combustion of organic materials at high temperatures. The amount of ash in feed contains mineral components that animals cannot digest and prevent their absorption. However, ash insoluble in hydrochloric acid determines the amount of mineral compounds present in the feed that are not soluble in acid.

This test is especially necessary to obtain more detailed information on the nutrient content of feeds, because some minerals can have different effects on the metabolism of animals. For example, some minerals are indigestible, but are nevertheless essential for the healthy growth and development of animals.

ISO 5985 Test and Method

The ISO 5985 standard defines a specific laboratory method for determining the amount of ash insoluble in hydrochloric acid. The steps of the test are as follows:

1. Sample Preparation: The feed sample is taken in a specific amount for analysis and carefully mixed. The sample is dried before being sent to the laboratory equipment.
2. Weighting and Incineration: The feed sample is reduced to ash by incineration at high temperatures. This process ensures complete combustion of organic matter, leaving only inorganic compounds (ash).
3. Dissolution with Hydrochloric Acid: The burnt feed sample is treated with a certain amount of hydrochloric acid (HCl). In this step, some minerals will dissolve, while others will not. The insoluble components are separated as ash, which is insoluble with hydrochloric acid.
4. Filtration and Washing: After the insoluble ash is separated from the acid solution, filtration is performed to clean the solution. The remaining solids are then washed with clean water to remove all dissolved compounds.
5. Drying and Weighing: After washing, the insoluble ash sample is dried and then weighed. The weight obtained indicates the amount of ash insoluble in hydrochloric acid in the feed.

The ISO 5985 standard specifies two procedures for the determination of insoluble ash in hydrochloric acid in animal feed. The procedure details are as follows:

• Procedure A applies to simple organic animal feeds and compound feeds. The sample is incinerated and the ashes are boiled in hydrochloric acid and the insoluble residue is filtered and weighed.
• Procedure B applies to minerals, mineral mixtures and compound feedstuffs with ash insoluble in hydrochloric acid exceeding 1% (mass fraction). They are treated with hydrochloric acid and the resulting solution is filtered. The residue is ashed and then processed as in method A.

Nanolab Laboratories Group continues to provide services within the scope of Determination of Insoluble Ash in Hydrochloric Acid in Feed. We also provide services for the determination of Crude Cellulose in Feed.

Contact us for more information.

You can follow us on LinkedIn for up-to-date news and posts about our services.

Follow our Instagram account to be informed about our latest blog posts.