Fast, pre-competitive mineral assessment of poultry feed

Carefully prepared samples of finished feed are put in a machine where they are bombarded by X-rays and where the energy is absorbed by the minerals inside the sample. Photos: ADM

For a number of years, feed raw materials have been rapidly tested by near infrared spectroscopy (NIR) for tight control of valuable protein and fat while simultaneously monitoring moisture, fibre and other parameters. Recently, a new tool, X-ray fluorescence (XRF), was added to the poultry nutritionist’s toolbox by ADM. This analytical technique uses the interaction of X-rays with finished feed to determine its elemental composition.

For optimal health and performance of chickens, it is essential to provide them with the correct amount of nutrients, both energetically and nutritionally. As raw materials vary in quality and consistency, producing a finished feed that meets all requirements is the challenge nutritionists face on a daily basis.

X-ray fluorescence (XRF) uses the interaction of X-rays with finished feed to determine its elemental composition.

With the introduction of NIR technology, nutritionists were able to come much closer to the ideal feed, at least closer than with matrix values alone. However, near-infrared assessment does not provide as fine and accurate a measurement of mineral content as wet chemistry analysis does.

“To determine the mineral content of feed, feed manufacturers use so-called wet chemistry. This is quite a laborious process, comes at a cost and usually takes 10 days before results are available for the nutritionist,” says Sophie Beaufils, ambassador for laboratory offers at ADM in France. Under her supervision, the lab invested years of research and development to find an alternative to wet chemistry.

“To be precise, it is more an added method than an alternative per se. With our expertise as a reference lab in wet chemistry we were able to develop a method with the help of X-rays to produce the same results. We started to use the method on dairy cow forage and are now up and running for poultry diets,” said Beaufils.

Client challenge

The need for XRF analysis originated directly from ADM’s customers. “Our labs’ clients had a challenge. They wanted to know the mineral content of their feed fast. The usual 10-day return time for wet chemistry was deemed insufficient. Especially in the case of nutrition-induced problems in a poultry flock, a nutritionist wants insights fast to be able to intervene fast,” said Beaufils. “With XRF we are able to have short lead times of a few days, at an attractive price level as well.’’

Customers are instructed beforehand to guarantee good sampling and packaging to prevent degradation of feed during transport.

The combination of speed and costs resulted in more analysis as well, according to Beaufils. “With direct and on-site NIR analysis of raw materials, feed manufacturers get great insights into quality. On the other side of the spectrum, we have the slow wet chemistry [method] for mineral determination. XRF sits in between. It is still lab bound, but lowers the threshold for testing on a more regular basis. That is what we see in our lab as well; we don’t have fewer samples in our wet chemistry department. XRF is used in addition, to have results more often, on more batches and at smaller intervals.”

Technology explained

As the name indicates, XRF analysis works through X-rays. Carefully prepared samples of finished feed are put in a machine. This is where the magic happens. The samples are bombarded by X-rays and the energy is absorbed by the minerals inside the sample.

Beaufils explains: “Each mineral has its own level of absorption of the electrons. As the machine measures this, we know what the exact mineral content and type is. Depending on the demand of the client, we offer 3 packages: standard, essential and expert, each increasing the number of minerals tested and reported on.”

In the years running up to implementation of the XRF analysis, ADM created a database for each category of poultry feed. Looking back and moving forward, the database is continuously updated. “Also, we are constantly calibrating XRF against wet chemistry.”

A lab tour shows that fast doesn’t mean cutting corners. Being an ISO 17025 accredited lab, standards are extremely high. Every step in the process is constantly scrutinised. This begins by instructing the feed manufacturer or farmer very precisely. “We demand good sampling and packaging, have temperature rules and timelines. This time, we need the samples in Saint Nolff, France, as this is the location of the XRF machine. If we receive a good and undamaged sample, we will process it on the day of arrival. Results are circled back directly after our experts assess the outcome.”

Pre-competitive services

Beaufils emphasises that the XRF analysis is available for all who need finished feed mineral content assessment. “Our main mission is to ensure food safety for the final customer of the feed and animal husbandry industry, which is the consumer. Food safety is as pre-competitive as it can get.’’

ADM’s laboratory services are available to its customers, such as independent feed mills and farms, providing compliant and impartial formulation analysis. “This is the case for our wet chemistry lab as well as our XRF expertise.”