How to Read a Quality Certificate for Meal and Cake

What is a Quality Certificate and Who Issues It

A quality certificate (Certificate of Analysis) is issued by an accredited laboratory or the producer's/exporter's own laboratory. The document accompanies each batch and forms the basis for handling complaints. When importing from Ukraine or outside the EU, it is worth requesting results from an independent laboratory, preferably SGS, Bureau Veritas, or equivalent.

Crude Protein — The Most Important Parameter

Crude protein (CP) is expressed as a percentage on a dry matter (d.m.) basis or as received (as is). This distinction has enormous practical significance:

• Full-fat soybean meal: approx. 36–38% CP as received
• Defatted soybean meal (Hi-Pro): 46–48% CP on d.m. basis
• Dehulled sunflower meal: 36–42% CP on d.m. basis
• Sunflower cake (cold-pressed): 28–35% CP on d.m. basis

Always verify on what basis the result is presented — conversion between d.m. and as received depends on moisture content and can change the result by several percentage points.

Crude Fibre — An Indicator of Dehulling Degree

Crude fibre (CF) indicates hull content. The higher the hull proportion, the lower the digestibility and energy value of the product.

• Dehulled sunflower meal: CF below 18% on d.m. basis — commercial standard
• Partially dehulled sunflower meal: CF 20–25%
• Sunflower cake: CF can reach 20–28% depending on technology
• Soybean meal: CF typically below 7% on d.m. basis

A high CF level in material declared as fully dehulled is a red flag — it is worth ordering sample verification.

Moisture — Storage Safety and Weight Conversions

Moisture content determines storage safety and is the basis for converting commercial weight to dry matter.

• Standard commercial moisture for soybean meal: 12–13%
• Sunflower meal and cakes: typically 8–11%
• Exceeding 14% significantly increases the risk of mold and self-heating during transport

With each delivery, it is worthwhile to perform a control moisture measurement with your own meter — the certificate describes the condition of goods at loading, not at receipt.

Other Parameters Worth Attention

• Crude Fat (Ether Extract) — important for pressed cakes; higher fat content means higher energy, but also shorter shelf life
• Crude Ash — mineral contamination; values above standard may suggest admixture of soil or sand
• Urease Activity — in soybean meal confirms proper toasting; excessively high urease activity reduces protein utilization by animals

How to Verify the Certificate in Practice

1. Check the sample collection date — it should correspond to the loading date.
2. Compare results for d.m. and as received basis; calculate independently based on the stated moisture content.
3. Pay attention to the analytical method (e.g., AOAC, ISO) — different methods yield different results for fiber.
4. Request a reference sample (retention sample) stored by the supplier for a minimum of 90 days.

Familiarize yourself with our product catalog — we offer soybean meal, sunflower meal, and cakes with documented quality certificates — or send a price inquiry, and we will select a product to meet your feed requirements.