EN 22953 Lactobacillus Viability in Dairy-Based Feed
The European standard EN 22953 outlines a procedure for determining the viability of Lactobacillus species in dairy-based feed additives. This testing is crucial to ensure that probiotic and prebiotic products remain active throughout their shelf life, maintaining their beneficial effects on animal health and performance.
The standard specifies conditions under which dairy-based feeds are incubated at specific temperatures and times, followed by a microscopic examination of the sample to count viable cells. This ensures that feed additives containing live microorganisms meet quality standards set by regulatory bodies and industry guidelines.
Understanding viability is essential for formulating effective feed additives that can positively influence gut health and enhance nutrient utilization in livestock. The test helps ensure consistent product performance, which translates into improved animal welfare and productivity.
The procedure involves several steps:
- Sampling: Representative samples are taken from the dairy-based feed to be tested.
- Incubation: Samples are incubated under controlled conditions that mimic real-world storage environments.
- Microscopy: After incubation, the sample is examined using a microscope to count viable cells.
This standardized approach ensures that all laboratories follow consistent protocols, leading to reliable and reproducible results. Compliance with EN 22953 is important for companies involved in the development, production, and distribution of dairy-based feed additives.
| Step | Description | Key Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Sampling | Representative samples are taken from the dairy-based feed to be tested. | Ensure that the sampling method is appropriate for the type of feed and additive being tested. |
| Incubation | Samples are incubated under controlled conditions that mimic real-world storage environments. | Temperature, time, and humidity must be carefully controlled to avoid altering the natural state of the feed additive. |
| Microscopy | The sample is examined using a microscope to count viable cells. | Examination should be conducted by trained personnel using standardized techniques. |
Scope and Methodology
The scope of EN 22953 is to provide a method for determining the viability of Lactobacillus species in dairy-based feed additives. The methodology involves several key steps:
- Sampling: Representative samples are taken from the dairy-based feed to be tested.
- Incubation: Samples are incubated under controlled conditions that mimic real-world storage environments.
- Microscopy: After incubation, the sample is examined using a microscope to count viable cells.
The standard ensures consistency and reliability in testing by specifying detailed procedures for each step. Compliance with EN 22953 is essential for maintaining product quality and ensuring regulatory compliance.
Benefits
- Informed Decision-Making: Accurate viability testing allows companies to make informed decisions regarding the development and formulation of feed additives.
- Consistency: Standardized methods ensure consistent results across different batches and production sites.
- Regulatory Compliance: Meeting the requirements of EN 22953 ensures compliance with regulatory standards, which is essential for market access.
- Innovation Support: Reliable test data supports ongoing research and development efforts to improve product efficacy.
Use Cases and Application Examples
The EN 22953 standard is widely used in the feed additive industry to ensure that dairy-based additives containing live microorganisms are effective throughout their shelf life. Here are some real-world use cases:
- Probiotic Additives: Ensuring that probiotics remain viable during storage and feeding.
- Prebiotic Additives: Verifying the integrity of prebiotics to enhance gut health in livestock.
- Animal Nutrition: Supporting the formulation of feed additives that promote better nutrient utilization.
