Testing homogeneity and carry-over in feeding stuff

The direct Microtracer method to test premixes and feed for homogeneity and carry-over is used by PreMervo laboratory. This method is the only “direct” analysis on the market which means particles are added to the mixer and the same particles are counted in the samples taken. All other methods have to destroy the particles by digestion or dilution before analysis. Microtracer particles have the advantage of being not toxic which is a major benefit for human health and environmental sustainability reasons. Because they are available in different particle sizes, the right Microtracer particle size for each feed can be chosen. Only two instead of usually three subsequent production batches have to be tested, because there are no Microtracer blanks in feeding stuff. No restrictions are made for the test feed, but it is reasonable to test a feed which is often produced. Microtracer are external tracers which fulfil the feed hygiene regulation (EC) No. 183/2005. The transportable Microtracer Analysis System allows to test homogeneity and carry-over directly after production and generates results within one day. Mixing time optimization in one batch or the test of different carry-over pathways in the production line are no problem, because different Microtracer colours can be used in one batch.