ISO 102634 Crude Fat Determination in Aquatic Animal Feed
The determination of crude fat content in aquatic animal feed is a critical component of ensuring the nutritional quality and safety of feeds for fish, shrimp, and other aquaculture species. Accurate measurement of crude fat helps to ensure that these feeds meet the required nutrient profiles, which are essential for the proper growth and health of aquatic animals.
The ISO 102634 standard specifies a method using Soxhlet extraction to determine the crude fat content in dry feed materials. This test is particularly important because the fat content can significantly impact the palatability and digestibility of the feed, which are crucial factors for effective nutrition management.
The process involves extracting fats from the sample using an organic solvent under controlled conditions. The extracted fat is then weighed to determine its percentage by mass in relation to the total feed material. This method ensures precise measurement and repeatability, making it suitable for quality control and compliance with international standards.
The importance of this test cannot be overstated. Inaccurate or inconsistent measurements can lead to nutritional imbalances that may harm aquatic animals, leading to health issues such as poor growth rates, reduced feed efficiency, and increased susceptibility to disease. Ensuring accurate crude fat content is therefore not just a regulatory requirement but also a critical aspect of responsible aquaculture practices.
The procedure outlined in ISO 102634 ensures that the test results are reliable and comparable across different laboratories, which is essential for maintaining consistent quality standards within the industry. This standardization is particularly important given the global nature of many feed supply chains.
Understanding the specific requirements of this test is crucial for those involved in quality management, compliance, research and development (R&D), and procurement. Compliance officers need to ensure that all feeds meet regulatory standards, while R&D engineers must verify that new formulations are effective and safe. Procurement teams should be aware of these parameters to select suppliers who adhere to high-quality standards.
Scope and Methodology
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1. Preparation of Sample | The feed sample must be dried to a constant weight at 105°C ± 2°C in an oven. |
| 2. Extraction with Ether | The dry sample is then extracted using ether in a Soxhlet extraction apparatus for 6 hours, or until the extract runs clear. |
| 3. Drying of Extracted Fat | The extracted fat is dried at 105°C ± 2°C in an oven to a constant weight. |
| 4. Calculation | The crude fat content is calculated by dividing the mass of the dried extract by the mass of the original sample and multiplying by 100. |
Why Choose This Test
- Precision in Measurement: The ISO 102634 method ensures accurate and precise measurement of crude fat content.
- International Recognition: Compliance with this standard is recognized globally, ensuring consistency across different regions.
- Rigorous Standards: It meets the stringent requirements set by international standards bodies like ISO, which are critical for quality assurance.
Quality and Reliability Assurance
- Regular Calibration: Regular calibration of equipment ensures that all measurements are accurate and reliable.
- Laboratory Accreditation: Our laboratory is accredited to perform this test according to ISO standards, ensuring compliance with international best practices.
