Specialized Microscopic Animal Feed Analysis.
First In Quality Control.
First In Quality Control.
Interlab was founded in 1994 as the first feed microscopy laboratory in South Africa. Feed microscopy is the art and science to identify and quantify feed ingredients in mixed feeds with the aid of a microscope. It is also used to evaluate feedstuffs in terms of quality, purity and processing efficiency. Microchemical spot tests are used in combination with the microscope to identify specific minerals and vitamins. Apart from microscopic analyses, Interlab also performs certain other analyses, including tests for the presence of ionophores, urea, anionic salts and melamine via immune assay. Please see the “Services” section for more information.
The following articles on feed microscopy were published by Interlab’s founder:
1. Cruywagen, C.W., 1994. Feed Microscopy: An aid in quality control. Afma Matrix. 3 (4), 9.
2. Cruywagen, C.W., 1994. Voermikroskopie: Nuwe hulpmiddel in kwaliteitskontrole. Pro Agri Nov/Des 94, 10.
3. Cruywagen, C.W., 1994. Voermikroskopie. Noord-Wes Nuus. Okt. 94.
4. Cruywagen, C.W., 1995. Voermikroskopie as hulpmiddel in gehaltebeheer. S.A. Koöp. Jan. 95.
5. Cruywagen, C.W., 1996. Adulteration of feed raw materials. Proceedings of AFMA Symposium. University of Pretoria. October 1996.
6. Cruywagen, C.W., 1996. Die waarde van mikroskopiese voeranalises. Landbou Weekblad.
7. Cruywagen, C.W., 1999. Feed microscopy in feed and pet food. Inform 10, 1159-1161.
8. Cruywagen, C.W. & Kellerman, S., 2002. Microscopic identification of grass epidermal tissue. Inform 13, 227-236.
9. Cruywagen, C.W. 2010. The application of feed microscopy in stock theft investigations. Inform 21, 44-51.
Services
• Identification and quantification of ingredients (raw materials) in mixed feeds.
• Identification of protein, energy and mineral sources in feeds.
• Identification of ammonium salts in feeds.
• Identification of adulterants, contaminants and unwanted material in feeds.
• Quality evaluation of raw materials, e.g. purity and degree of processing of animal and plant protein sources.
• Identification of adulterants in raw materials.
We assist the Stock Theft Units of SAPS to link specific evidence exhibits with the crime scene.
Here we combine microscopical and microchemical methods to identify chlorides, phosphates, sulphates and certain vitamins and antibiotics.
Detection of the following materials in feeds and feedstuffs:
• Processed animal proteins (PAP’s) for BSE free declarations (EU approved method via microscopy)
• Ionophores (monensin, lasalocid and salinomycin) (chemical)
• Melamine (via immune assay)
• Urea
• Molasses