title: The ultra-sonication of minerals in swine feed.
abstract: A sample preparation method based on ultrasound assisted-extraction (UAE) of Ca, Mg and P from swine feed has been described. The experiment was performed to cover the variables influencing the sonication process and, the method validation using standard reference material. Final solutions obtained upon sonication were analyzed by flame atomic absorption spectrometry (for Ca and Mg) and by UV-vis spectrophotometry (for P). The best conditions for metal extraction were as follows: sample mass: 100 mg in 20 mL 0.10 mol/L HCl, a particle size: <60 μm, sonication time: 5 cycles of 10 s and ultrasound power: 102 W. The UAE method was applied in digestibility assays in different piglet feeds and their results showed that it is highly comparable (P > 0.05) to the other methods used for such purposes, as block digestion, and offered a Ca, Mg and P method of quantification limit of 10.6, 12.4 and 14 mg/kg, respectively. The major advantages of the UAE method compared to other methods are the high treatment rate, low reagent usage in the extracts and, it does not generate toxic residues that might negatively affect human health and the environment, accompanied by good precision and accuracy.
authors.affiliation: Department of Animal Production, Lageado Farm, Faculty of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, UNESP - São Paulo State University, Botucatu Campus, 18618-000 Botucatu, São Paulo Brazil.
authors.forename: Mayra A D
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Saleh
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Institute of Biosciences, UNESP - São Paulo State University, Botucatu Campus, Rubião Junior District, 18618-970 Botucatu, São Paulo Brazil.
authors.forename: Pedro M
authors.initials: PM
authors.lastname: Padilha
authors.affiliation: UFSC - Federal University of Santa Catarina, Center for Agricultural Sciences, 88040-900 Florianópolis, Brazil.
authors.forename: Lucélia
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Hauptli
authors.affiliation: Department of Animal Production, Lageado Farm, Faculty of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, UNESP - São Paulo State University, Botucatu Campus, 18618-000 Botucatu, São Paulo Brazil.
authors.forename: Dirlei A
authors.initials: DA
authors.lastname: Berto
keywords: Digestibility assay; Green analytical chemistry; Macronutrients; Piglet; Ultrasound-assisted extraction