Development and validation of the modular Feed-code method for qualitative and quantitative determination of feed...

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Science
• Food Science
• Analytical Chemistry

Background:

• Feed composition analysis is crucial for detecting economic fraud and ensuring feed safety, as mandated by Regulation (EC) 767/2009.
• Accurate identification of feed ingredients is essential for regulatory compliance and quality control in the animal feed industry.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a modular assay for the qualitative and quantitative analysis of botanical feed composition.
• To assess the performance parameters of the assay, including applicability, repeatability, specificity, and limit of detection.
• To evaluate the assay's effectiveness in identifying botanical impurities in compound feeds and raw materials.

Main Methods:

• Development of a modular assay based on intron polymorphism for botanical composition analysis.
• Internal validation of the assay, evaluating key performance parameters.
• Application of the assay to feed-like samples, compound feeds, and raw materials.
• Comparison of results with traditional microscopic analysis.

Main Results:

• The developed Feed-code assay successfully performed qualitative and quantitative analysis of botanical feed composition.
• The assay demonstrated good performance in terms of applicability, repeatability, and specificity.
• Application revealed the presence of botanical impurities in various feed samples.
• The Feed-code method provided more reliable results compared to microscopic analysis.

Conclusions:

• The Feed-code prototype is a reliable tool for the authentication of feed botanical composition.
• The modular design allows for future upgrades to include additional plant species.
• The assay warrants further validation through a collaborative trial for widespread adoption.