Determination of Fat and Moisture Content in Feed

Application Background

Fat content is an important nutritional and quality control parameter during feed production. The energy of fat is high, Increasing the fat content in the feed can improve the energy level and save protein. However, if the fat content in the feed is too high, after long-term intake, the animal’s liver will accumulate too much fat, resulting in fatty liver disease which will affect the growth of the animal, and even causing death in severe cases. By contrary, if the fat content of the feed is too low, the energy in the feed is insufficient, and the amount of essential fatty acids provided by the fat cannot meet the growth needs of the animals.

Moisture content is an important parameter for product quality as well. If the moisture content is too high or too low, it will affect the feed quality and can complicate or even make further processing impossible. The most suitable moisture content (usually less than 10%) prevents feed spoilage and extends expiration date. Therefore, we need a fast and reliable measurement of fat and moisture content to optimize feed production processes. Low-field NMR method can quickly and accurately measure the fat and moisture content of feed. Low field NMR analyzer can work at the site of factory, to provide a strong guarantee for product process optimization and quality control.

Application Principles

The intensity of NMR signal is proportional to the content of hydrogen protons in the feed. We can establish a calibration curve between fat or water content and NMR signal intensity. The relaxation speed of the NMR signal is related to the state of the hydrogen protons. In the feed, water is tightly bound to the solid matrix, while fat is free. The signal of water or fat can be distinguished according to the difference in the relaxation speed. so as to realize the rapid detection of fat content and water content.

Niumag product application

Probe coil diameter: 25mm

Sample volume: 10ml