Objective assessment of the uniformity of compound feed products

Abstract

Proper feeding has a decisive influence on the growth, development, health and productivity of farm animals. In this regard, the role of methods that correctly assess the variability of the distribution of components in animal diets is beyond anyone’s doubt. It is quite natural that the results obtained using different techniques may differ, i. e. not be comparable. It is possible to eliminate this conflict only if we adopt a single methodology that gives authentic and reproducible results. At the same time, it is necessary that all its provisions are scientifically justified and do not allow any double interpretation. Using the example of the methodology for determining the uniformity of products of the feed industry, the authors provide a convincing evidence base (calculations, tables) that it is possible to create an objective methodology if based on scientifically sound postulates: the weight and number of samples with which the value of the coefficient of variation V Скмп of the distribution of components in feed products correlates. They should be strictly regulated; any arbitrarily chosen value of the coefficient of variation of the distribution of components in the samples of concentrates and premixes does not guarantee the subsequent production of highly effective feed. The value V Скмп should be such that using these products it is possible to produce highly effective feed. In high-performance feed, it is necessary to control the variability of the distribution in the samples, of all components without exception. In addition, the authors have proposed alternative criteria for the variability of the distribution of components in samples (diets). The formulas necessary for calculation, examples of calculations, tables of practical importance have bee given. Proper coordination of work on improving existing regulatory documents in the coming years will ensure the production of highly efficient feed products and abandon most of the super-expensive import.