Comparison of LECO FP-228 "nitrogen determinator" with AOAC copper catalyst Kjeldahl method for crude protein

The LECO FP-228 "Nitrogen Determinator" was compared with the AOAC copper catalyst Kjeldahl method, 7.033-7.037, for the determination of crude protein in feed materials. The completely microprocessor-controlled instrument determines nitrogen by measuring the nitrogen gas following combustion of the sample; it was easy to operate and broadly applicable. A wide variety of feed materials of various nitrogen levels were analyzed in one mixed sequence. Results were precise, accurate, and rapid. Analysis time for one sample was approximately 3 min. Fourteen samples containing 2.5-15.5% N were selected for study and consisted of meals, grains, forages, and standard organic materials. The overall mean for the 14 samples by the LECO combustion method was 8.61% N compared with an overall mean of 8.58% N for the AOAC Kjeldahl method. Within-sample standard deviations for the LECO combustion method ranged from 0.013 to 0.052% N with a pooled standard deviation (SD) of 0.033% N for the 14 samples. Standard deviations for the AOAC Kjeldahl method ranged from 0.006 to 0.035% N with a pooled SD of 0.022% N. Combined average recovery of nitrogen from tryptophan, lysine-HCl, and EDTA determined by the LECO combustion method was 99.94% compared to 99.88% determined by the AOAC Kjeldahl method.