For characterization of different materials, e.g. plants, feed, food, macro nutrients (moisture, crude ash, crude protein, crude fat, crude fiber (and fiber fractions according to van Soest)), can be analyzed to get a general overview of the sample. Aside from that, there are minor components (micro nutrients) like vitamins, carotenoids, amino acids, and fatty acids, that are important to get a deeper insight into the material. The resulting values of the analyses can be used for comparing with results from databases or within the set of samples.
Furthermore, undesirable substances are also important. There are for example contaminants (e. g. dioxins), mycotoxins (e. g. aflatoxin, deoxynivalenol) or pesticide residues.
Depending on the scientific objectives, the suitable methods can be provided for analyzing the samples.
For analyzing these parameters, the following equipment is available: