EN 17831 Determination of Energy Value of Animal Feeding Stuffs
The determination of energy value in animal feeding stuffs is a critical aspect of ensuring nutritional adequacy and compliance with regulatory standards. This process involves assessing the calorific content, which includes digestible energy (DE), metabolizable energy (ME), and apparent digestibility coefficients. The European Standard EN 17831 provides a standardized method for determining these parameters using controlled digestion techniques.
The methodology described in EN 17831 is based on the concept of total tract digestibility, which measures the fraction of ingested feed that is digested and absorbed by an animal. This approach ensures accurate quantification of the energy available to the animal, enabling producers to formulate feeds that meet specific nutritional requirements.
The testing process involves several key steps: sample preparation, digestion, analysis, and calculation. Samples are typically ground into a fine powder and mixed with standardized ingredients to simulate natural feeding conditions. The mixture is then digested in a controlled environment under specified temperature and time parameters. After digestion, the remaining undigested material is analyzed for its dry matter content.
The energy values are calculated using empirical formulas derived from the digestibility coefficients obtained during the analysis. These calculations provide precise measurements of the energy available to the animal, which can be used to adjust feed formulations accordingly. Accurate determination of energy values is essential for optimizing feed efficiency and reducing waste, thereby contributing to sustainable agricultural practices.
Understanding the nutritional composition of animal feeds is crucial not only for ensuring optimal health but also for minimizing environmental impact. By accurately determining energy values, we can help reduce excess feed inputs, which in turn reduces greenhouse gas emissions and promotes more efficient use of resources.
The EN 17831 standard ensures consistency and reliability across laboratories, allowing for accurate comparisons and regulatory compliance. This is particularly important in the global food and feed industry, where standards play a key role in maintaining quality and safety standards.
Our laboratory adheres strictly to this standard, employing experienced technicians and state-of-the-art equipment to ensure precise and reliable results. We use advanced analytical techniques such as near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) for rapid moisture determination and precision gravimetric methods for accurate dry matter analysis. Our approach ensures that we deliver high-quality data that can be trusted by quality managers, compliance officers, R&D engineers, and procurement professionals.
By leveraging the EN 17831 standard, our clients gain a competitive edge in the market by ensuring product consistency and regulatory compliance. This service is particularly valuable for companies involved in feed production, animal nutrition research, and quality assurance across various sectors including livestock farming, pet food manufacturing, and aquaculture.
Eurolab Advantages
At Eurolab, we pride ourselves on offering comprehensive testing services that meet the highest standards of accuracy and reliability. Our expertise in EN 17831 compliance ensures that our clients receive precise and consistent results every time.
- Precision Equipment: We utilize top-tier laboratory equipment to perform tests according to EN 17831, ensuring accurate measurements and reliable outcomes.
- Experienced Technicians: Our team consists of highly skilled professionals with extensive experience in food and feed testing, providing clients with the confidence they need for their quality assurance processes.
- Comprehensive Reporting: We offer detailed reports that not only provide energy value results but also include insights into potential areas for improvement in feed formulations.
- Regulatory Compliance: Our services are designed to meet and exceed regulatory requirements, ensuring that clients remain compliant with international standards.
We understand the importance of trust and reliability in our industry. That’s why we invest in continuous training and professional development for our staff, updating our equipment regularly, and maintaining strong relationships with our clients. Our goal is to provide a service that exceeds expectations, offering peace of mind to those who rely on us.
Customer Impact and Satisfaction
The EN 17831 determination of energy value service provided by Eurolab has significantly impacted our customers across various sectors. Quality managers benefit from detailed insights into the nutritional composition of their products, ensuring consistent quality and meeting regulatory standards.
- Quality Assurance: By accurately determining energy values, we help our clients maintain high product standards that meet customer expectations.
- R&D Engineers: Our services enable R&D teams to optimize feed formulations, improving animal performance and health while reducing waste.
- Compliance Officers: Ensuring compliance with international standards is crucial for maintaining a competitive edge in the global market. Our EN 17831 service provides the necessary data to meet these requirements.
In addition to these direct benefits, our services have contributed to increased customer satisfaction by providing accurate and reliable results. This has translated into improved product quality and enhanced reputation for our clients. In turn, this has led to increased business opportunities and long-term partnerships.
Our commitment to excellence is reflected in the positive feedback we receive from satisfied customers. Many of them have noted that our services not only meet but exceed their expectations, providing valuable insights into feed formulations and helping them stay ahead of industry trends.
Environmental and Sustainability Contributions
The determination of energy value in animal feeding stuffs plays a crucial role in promoting sustainability within the food and feed industry. By accurately assessing the nutritional content, we can help reduce waste and optimize resource use, which are key components of sustainable practices.
- Reduction of Waste: Accurate energy value determination helps ensure that feeds are formulated to meet specific nutritional requirements, reducing surplus or under-nutrition. This minimizes the amount of wasted feed, which is a significant contributor to environmental degradation.
- Optimization of Resources: By ensuring that animals receive the correct balance of nutrients, we help optimize resource use, including water and land for feed production. Efficient use of resources reduces pressure on natural ecosystems.
- Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Reducing waste through optimized feed formulations can lead to a decrease in greenhouse gas emissions associated with food production. This contributes to the broader goal of reducing environmental impact.
The EN 17831 standard plays an essential role in these sustainability efforts by providing a consistent and reliable method for determining energy values. Our laboratory’s adherence to this standard ensures that we contribute to these important goals, helping our clients take meaningful steps toward more sustainable practices.
