FibreCap: an improved method for the rapid analysis of fibre in feeding stuffs

An improved procedure is described for the analysis of fibre in samples of feeding stuffs. The procedure uses a novel cylindrical capsule (FibreCap, p atent pending) with porous walls having the same filtration characteristics as Whatman 541 filter paper. The walls are made of hydrophilic material to facilitate movement of solvents; the Lid is hydrophobic to facilitate gas exchange. The procedure has been designed to speed up analysis, reduce use of solvents and reduce variability and systematic error associated with ext raction and filtration. The FibreCap procedure was compared with convention al analyses for measurement of crude fibre, neutral and modified acid-deter gent fibre. Mean values were identical throughout the range of fibre concen tration found in animal feeding stuffs. However, residual variation was con sistently lower for FibreCap than for conventional analyses. Two ring tests were carried out in which results from seven and six collaborating laborat ories were compared with those at Bristol, Differences between laboratories were very small although statistically significant. The FibreCap system is consistent with Statutory Requirements for fibre analysis, more repeatable than conventional methods and quicker in operation. (C) 2000 Elsevier Scie nce B.V. All rights reserved.