This holiday season, as Americans gather for the traditional Thanksgiving feast, one dish sure to be on the table at many gatherings is a roasted turkey. The National Turkey Federation estimates that 46 million turkeys are consumed on Thanksgiving day alone. But beyond the delicious flavor, how much essential protein is packed into that main dish?
For food manufacturers, meat producers, and quality control labs, determining accurate protein levels is an everyday requirement—not just a holiday curiosity. This is where the LECO FP928 Nitrogen/Protein Determinator—a macro combustion instrument—proves its value, offering the speed and precision needed for continuous compliance.
Why Choose Combustion Over Kjeldahl for Protein Testing?
While the traditional Kjeldahl method is well-known for protein testing, it is inherently time-consuming, labor-intensive, and requires the use of corrosive acids and hazardous chemicals.
The FP928 utilizes a high-temperature combustion method (the Dumas method) to determine nitrogen content directly. This modern process is fully automated, eliminating hazardous chemical handling and reducing sample preparation. This makes it a significantly safer and more efficient Kjeldahl replacement for high-volume laboratories focused on food quality control. By accurately determining the total nitrogen in a sample and applying the appropriate nitrogen-to-protein conversion factor, protein levels can be determined reliably and quickly.
Key Features of the LECO FP928 for High-Throughput Labs
The FP928 is engineered for maximum throughput and accuracy in the food industry and features several design advantages that boost laboratory efficiency year-round:
- Speed: Delivers final nitrogen/protein results in a rapid 5-minute cycle time, minimizing delays in production and quality control decisions.
- Sample Size: Uses macro samples (up to 3 g) in a horizontal combustion furnace, ensuring that results are representative even for heterogeneous matrices like meat, poultry, or finished feed products.
- Automation: A 100-position autoloader and mobile software connectivity allow for high-throughput, unattended operation, freeing up technician time for other critical tasks.
- Versatility: Ideal for analyzing protein in a wide range of materials, including meat, poultry, dairy, pet food, and more.
Protein Analysis Case Study: Common Meat Sources
To demonstrate the system’s precision and application, LECO successfully utilized the FP928 to analyze various common meat sources, including the holiday-favorite turkey, as well as ham, bacon, and hot dogs.
For example, the analyses showed that cooked turkey contains approximately 17% protein, confirming its reputation as a lean and protein-rich choice. The ability to achieve this data quickly and precisely allows manufacturers to verify raw material quality, ensure processing consistency, and confirm the accuracy of nutritional labeling—essential steps for regulatory compliance and consumer confidence.
To learn more about this analysis and the FP928, check out the original application note on nitrogen and protein in meat. Happy Thanksgiving!
