Validation of analytical methods to determine the content of ADF, NDFa and ADL in alfalfa samples

Identifier:  TFG:1333

Handle: https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11797/TFG1333

Authors:  Adalid Llansà, Mireia

Abstract:
This project was developed in Agrolab Ibérica S.L.U., and it consisted of the validation of methods to determine the content of acid detergent fiber (ADF), neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and lignin in high and low quality alfalfa samples, and also in ASFAC samples. That took place in the manual equipment FibertecTM FT122. In addition, comparing the results of ADF and NDF of a simple analysed in the manual equipment, with the automatic one was the second objective. Firstly, the ISO rules were read and adapted to the equipment in the laboratory, and afterwards Excel documents were validated. Furthermore, the analysis were started, by analysing in duplicate during 10 days each sample, taking into consideration that the blank was also analysed in the same conditions and in duplicate. With the criteria established by the quality department (coefficient of variation of repeatability of 2 and of reproducibility of 5), the three methods have been validated for ADF and NDF in high and low alfalfa samples, even though in case of lignin, more sources of information were needed to be found in order to extend the criteria to 4 and 10. On the other side, there was no chance of participating in inter-laboratory study due to the lack of the main reagents. Because of this reason accuracy was not calculated, as the results were only taken during 6 days. Furthermore, a 25% power in automatic equipment was proved to be appropriate for this determination, because the fulfillment of quality criteria was successful and the results were similar to the ones in manual equipment.