High or Low Assay Results

Check to ensure the procedures sent with your instrument were followed. Some possible variables that may affect your results are:

ND chemicals can come out of solution. Heat (102 - 105°C +/- 2°C ) and stir to bring back into solution.
The temperature controller settings werer modified. This can produce improper heating.
Improper weighing technique. See weighing technique in the Operator's Manual.
Improper or non-use of the desiccant pouch. A standard desiccator will introduce moisture in the samples as it is being opened and closed. This will cause poor precision. The ANKOM Desiccant/Moisture Stop Assembly (X45) should be used.

The movement of the Bag Suspender is less than 1/2" (1.2 cm) up and down. Refer to your DELTA Operator's Manual section titled Periodic Maintenance. Follow steps to the check agitation system.
Solution is not heated sufficiently. Perform ANKOM Boil Test (see DELTA Service Procedure 13).
For NDF, failure to use Alpha Amylase and/or Sodium Sulfite.
For ADF/NDF, failture to pre-treat samples with high fat content (>5%) with solvent.
Crude Fiber-always presoak with petroleum ether, not acetone.
Oven temp low, wet samples introduced next to dry samples-samples are not sufficiently dried.
Lack of or incorrect use of desiccant pouch. Check for holes in pouch. Desiccant pouch should be dried regularly to refresh desiccant. Follow directions on label.
Rinse water not hot enough or not long enough. Water should be 70°C for NDF and ADF and 50°C for CF. Rinse should run 5 minutes.
Digestion not run long enough.
Acetone re-used for removing water from bags post extraction.
Improper calculation of blank bag correction or using the wrong values in the formula.
Bag sealed too low.
Too much sample in the bag.
Sample not spread out in the bag.
Vessel lid was not closed tightly enough.

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