EN 18364 Trace Element Mixture Testing in Animal Premixes
The European Standard EN 18364 provides a standardized approach to testing trace element mixtures used in animal premixes. This service is critical for ensuring the safety and efficacy of nutritional supplements designed for animals, which includes poultry, swine, cattle, sheep, goats, and rabbits.
Trace elements such as copper, iron, zinc, manganese, cobalt, iodine, selenium, and others are essential nutrients in animal diets. However, they can also be toxic when present in excessive amounts. Therefore, accurate testing is paramount to ensure that the premixes meet regulatory requirements and nutritional guidelines.
Our laboratory adheres strictly to EN 18364 to deliver reliable results for our clients who are involved in the production of animal feeds or supplements. The standard outlines methods for sampling, sample preparation, gravimetric analysis, and instrumental techniques such as atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS).
The testing process involves several steps: first, a representative sample is taken from the premix. This sample must be homogenized to ensure uniformity before analysis.
- Gravimetric methods are used for determining the concentration of elements like copper and iron.
- Instrumental techniques such as atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS) are employed for trace element analyses, particularly selenium, zinc, manganese, cobalt, iodine, and others.
The results obtained from these tests provide critical data on the concentration of each trace element present in the premix. This information is essential for ensuring that the product meets specific nutritional requirements set by regulatory bodies like the European Commission (EC) or other national standards.
Our laboratory follows strict quality assurance protocols to ensure accurate and reliable results every time. By adhering to EN 18364, we can provide our clients with confidence in their products' compliance with international standards.
Applied Standards
| Standard Reference | Description |
|---|---|
| EN 18364 | This European Standard specifies the procedures for determining the concentration of trace elements in animal premixes. |
| ISO/IEC 17025 | International standard that sets requirements for competence of testing and calibration laboratories. Ensures our laboratory meets high-quality standards. |
The use of EN 18364 ensures uniformity in the test results across different laboratories, thereby enhancing reliability and consistency in quality assurance processes.
Benefits
Compliance with EN 18364 brings numerous benefits to businesses involved in animal feed production:
- Regulatory Compliance: Ensures adherence to EU regulations and national standards, reducing the risk of legal challenges.
- Safety Assurance: Guarantees that trace elements are within safe limits, protecting animals from potential toxicity or deficiency.
- Nutritional Optimization: Provides precise data on nutrient concentrations, aiding in optimizing formulations for better animal health and performance.
- Customer Trust: Builds confidence among consumers who demand high-quality, safe products. This can enhance brand reputation and market share.
Beyond these tangible advantages, compliance also fosters innovation by allowing businesses to explore new formulations and combinations of trace elements without compromising safety or efficacy.
Competitive Advantage and Market Impact
- Differentiation: By offering EN 18364 testing, our laboratory helps clients differentiate their products in the market through superior quality assurance.
- Innovation Support: The detailed insights provided by this testing can fuel ongoing research and development efforts to improve animal nutrition.
- Customer Satisfaction: Accurate and reliable test results build trust with customers, leading to repeat business and positive word-of-mouth referrals.
The ability to consistently meet stringent standards like EN 18364 can significantly enhance a company's reputation within the industry. It signals a commitment to excellence that is highly valued by both internal stakeholders and external customers alike.
