Implementing PPE20 for feed energy evaluation

1. Conduct laboratory analyses

To get started, you’ll need to analyse your feedstuffs for a few key components. This process is simple and standardised, allowing you to choose a laboratory that best fits your needs. Feed ingredients such as soybean meal do not need to be analysed. However, to maximise precision, it is recommended to analyse all other ingredients due to variations in nutrient content.

What to analyse:

•    Dry Matter: Measured by drying the sample to a constant weight.
•    Ash: Also determined by drying to a constant weight.
•    Crude Protein: Analysed using either the Dumas or Kjeldahl method.
•    Crude Fat: Assessed using a PPE20 specified method. METHOD B
•    In Vitro analyses: Evaluated using the Boisen method (Boisen & Fernandez, 1995, 1997) or equivalent.

The staff at PPE20 are available for general support to the laboratories, for example, during method implementation and, of course, for other requests.

Note: For reliable results, a minimum of six analyses per ingredient is required to ensure accuracy. While the cost of these analyses is covered by you, this also gives you the flexibility to select a laboratory that best meets your needs, whether based on location, cost, or existing partnerships. Additionally, choosing your own trained laboratory ensures consistency with your current workflows and allows you to work with a team you trust. This approach not only guarantees accuracy but also puts you in control of the process.

2. Prepare your data for submission

Once your laboratory analyses are complete, preparing your data for submission is easy. PPE20 only requires a few essential values to calculate energy content accurately:
•    Dry Matter and Ash Content: Provide values before and after digestion for both in vitro analyses (ileal and total digestibility).
•    Crude Protein and Crude Fat Percentages: These values help determine the undigested dry matter and organic material, which are critical for precise energy estimation.

3. Submit Your Data to PPE20

Submitting your data is quick and hassle-free. Here’s how it works:
1.    Send Your Data: Submit the required values to PPE20.
2.    Receive Your Results: PPE20 will process your information and return the calculated energy value within 48 hours on working days.
3.    Enjoy the Benefits: This step is covered by your annual PPE20 subscription, so there are no additional costs.

For information about pricing, please contact us for further details.