How to evaluate oxidation in poultry fat and feed oils

Peroxide value remains useful, but it measures only one stage of oxidation and can make a badly deteriorated fat appear better than it really is.

Assorted glass bottles containing cooking oils, vinegars, and spirits with various colored liquids and caps arranged on a reflective surface.
eskay lim | BigStock.com

Fats and oils are among the most valuable ingredients in U.S. poultry feeds. They provide concentrated energy, reduce dust and often help pellet manufacturing. However, poultry fat, soybean oil, corn oil and blended feed fats begin to deteriorate when exposed to oxygen, heat, light, moisture and certain metals – and sometimes, rather quickly.

The difficulty is that oxidation does not produce one stable compound that can be measured with one simple test. It happens in stages. This is where the familiar peroxide value can become misleading.

Log in to view the full article
Page 1 of 12
Next Page