When determining crude fibre, ADFom, ADL and aNDFOM, filtering the sample is a key step in the analysis. In classic filtration, this step involves frits and filter beds, which is comparatively time-consuming and prone to errors. For example, leaks can occur and, with frequent use, the porosity can change, particularly for glass frits. In addition, substances that are released by samples during boiling may enter the pores of the frit, leading to a drawn-out filtration process.
To solve this, we developed the FibreBag, a filter bag made of textile with a constant mesh size that easily avoids the above-mentioned problems associated with other filter methods. The FibreBags are not only easier to handle and simplify digestion of the samples, they also provide better and more reliable analytical results.
The Landwirtschaftliche Untersuchungs- und Forschungsanstalt (LUFA, Agricultural Testing and Research Institute) in Speyer, Germany, inspected the comparability of the results of crude fibre and ADFom analyses using different filter methods in a set of comprehensive tests; the results of their tests are recorded in this report.
