FibreCap: an improved method for the rapid analysis of fibre in feeding stuffs

An improved procedure is described for the analysis of fibre in samples of feeding stuffs. The procedure uses a novel cylindrical capsule (FibreCap, patent pending) with porous walls having the same filtration characteristics as Whatman 541 filter paper. The walls are made of hydrophilic material to facilitate movement of solvents; the lid is hydrophobic to facilitate gas exchange. The procedure has been designed to speed up analysis, reduce use of solvents and reduce variability and systematic error associated with extraction and filtration. The FibreCap procedure was compared with conventional analyses for measurement of crude fibre, neutral and modified acid-detergent fibre. Mean values were identical throughout the range of fibre concentration found in animal feeding stuffs. However, residual variation was consistently lower for FibreCap than for conventional analyses. Two ring tests were carried out in which results from seven and six collaborating laboratories were compared with those at Bristol. Differences between laboratories were very small although statistically significant. The FibreCap system is consistent with Statutory Requirements for fibre analysis, more repeatable than conventional methods and quicker in operation.