Background

The production and use of animal feeds is a global industry estimated in the hundreds of billions of dollars.  Monitoring feeds and premixes is critical to ensure proper nutrient balance for the animal lifecycle, but also to ensure toxic metal constituents are below maximum concentration levels allowed by local regulations.  While NIRS (near-infrared spectroscopy) is a widely accepted technique for the measurement of protein, amino acids, fat, oil, moisture, and fiber, it does not provide a complete solution. EDXRF (Energy-dispersive X-ray Fluorescence) is a simple, non-contact, non-destructive analysis technique that is ideal for use in the measurement of elemental concentration. EDXRF spectroscopy can be used for qualitative screening or feed characterization by elemental quantification. The method is useful in quantifying the elements that occur in finished feed formulations, as well as raw meals and premixes. Capable of measuring elements sodium through uranium, EDXRF can measure both elemental composition of the formulations and simultaneously screen for the presence of toxic metals such as chromium, lead, arsenic and cadmium. The Rigaku NEX CG analyzer meets this challenge by using secondary targets and polarization to remove background, thus allowing for the measurement of major, minor and trace elements in complex feed and premix formulations.