BS EN 17547:2021

What is BS EN 17547 about?  

BS EN 17547 specifies a method for the determination of the content of the total vitamin A (retinol), vitamin E (α-tocopherol), and vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) in animal feed using solid-phase extraction (SPE) clean-up and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). 

The method has been successfully tested in collaborative trial for complete feed for broilers, pigs, and turkey, for premixture for broilers and piglets, for complementary feed for cows and mineral feed within the following ranges: 

• Vitamin A: 4 365 IU/kg – 4 118 352 IU/kg 
• Vitamin E: 22 mg/kg – 13 800 mg/kg 
• Vitamin D3: 1 668 IU/kg – 1 638 150 IU/kg 

Note: The method is fully validated only for vitamin D3. The procedure also enables determination of vitamin D2 but with the use of another internal standard. 

Who is BS EN 17547 for? 

BS EN 17547 on the determination of fat-soluble vitamins in animal feeds is applicable to: 

• Manufacturers of animal feed 
• Livestock industry  
• Food safety and quality testing authorities 
• Animal feed certification bodies 

Why should you use BS EN 17547?  

Vitamins are diverse components in structure biological activities and chemical properties and are essential for normal metabolism functions. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) is the standard method used during the analysis of vitamins. Vitamins are classified under two classifications fat-soluble and water-soluble. BS EN 17547 determines the fat-soluble vitamins in animal feeding stuff.  

BS EN 17547 specifies the determination of the fat-soluble vitamins (vitamin A, E, D content) in animal feeding stuff which is beneficial for animal growth and health. Individual benefits of the vitamins in animal feeds are as follows: 

• Vitamin A (retinol) - vitamin A plays a role in serval distinct functions, including vision bone growth, reproduction, maintenance of body surface (eg. Skin), and maintaining of the respiratory and digestive tract. Retinol is the biologically active vitamin A.  
• Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) – vitamin D works along with the gut, bones, and kidney in maintaining blood cell levels. It also facilitated the absorption of calcium from the intestine and thereby assist in maintaining calcium homeostasis. 
• Vitamin E (α-tocopherol) – vitamin E is an antioxidant. Vitamin A in the diet increases the requirement of vitamin E. 

BS EN 17547 provides the required guidelines on conducting the HPCL test method, including reagent and materials, apparatus, sample preparation, preparation of standardized solutions. It also includes an easy-to-understand flow chart on the process of determination of the vitamins which will simplify the necessary steps for you. 

Determination of the required levels of vitamins in animal feed through the HPCL method suggested under BS EN 17547 ensures the optimum health, growth and survival of the livestock. Moreover, adopting standardized methods for detection of the vitamins also enables proper labelling of animal feeding products that improves credibility and consumer confidence in your products.