October 19, 2017

US laboratory bolsters AB Vista's in-feed enzyme analysis

In response to a marked increase in customer requests for in-feed analysis, AB Vista's US laboratory team has relocated to larger facilities in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, which is close to the company's US regional office.

"Being able to test for correct enzyme dosage and activity is an important part of quality control and assurance procedures, said AB Vista's services director, Dr. Hadden Graham, about the importance of in-feed enzyme analysis for feed manufacturers. "This maximises the effectiveness and quality of feed, and ensures consistent animal production. Failure to achieve this can result in significant reductions in animal performance, and subsequent financial loss."

According to Dr. Graham, the facility will mean that "AB Vista can provide customers with swift and accurate test results, ensuring that they, in turn, deliver a quality-assured product to their partners."

Additionally, an ongoing investment in AB Vista's lab capabilities and service delivery will ensure that the company continues to support customers in producing feeds that contain the desired enzyme activity.

The investment includes a robotic system developed to exploit AB Vista's enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, and reducing turnaround time in measuring activity for Quantum Blue phytase and Econase XT xylanase.

"With over 16,000 analyses in the US alone last year, this robotic system is freeing up analysts' time as well as increasing sample throughput of the lab and improving assay accuracy and precision," Dr Graham added.

The robotic system has been rolled out across AB Vista labs, while additional methodologies include the QuickStix lateral-flow assay for rapid qualitative detection and the QuantiPlate micro-titre well kit for accurate quantification of enzyme activity levels.

Matt Reed, AB Vista's US laboratory manager, commented that the US laboratory joins a network of scientific facilities.

"AB Vista's laboratories today process an average of approximately 200 samples per day. The labs recently marked the analysis of their 100,000th sample since opening in April 2011. Our facilities have a commitment to education, with hands-on customer and supplier training in all regions," Reed said.

"The new US facility will enable AB Vista to provide an even more efficient service to North American customers wanting samples analysed, and ensures we have the capacity to provide high-quality customer support as sales grow."