505 DRY MATTER DETERMINATION FOR BOTANICAL MATERIALS
Feed: DM
Determination of the dry matter content based on the gravimetric loss of free water associated with heating to 105oC for a period of three hours.
Summary: This procedure is performed on botanical materials (plant and feed) that have been air- or oven-dried at 55-60oC and ground, to allow for correction of test results to 100% dry matter. If the moisture content of the sample as submitted is required, the Partial Dry Matter test should be requested. The method quantitatively determines the dry matter content based on the gravimetric loss of free water associated with heating to 105oC for a period of three hours. The method does not remove molecular bound water and is generally reproducible within 7%.
NFTA, Moisture Task Force Report, 2.2.2.5 Laboratory Dry Matter by Oven Drying for 3 hours at 105oC, 2001. pp. 1-3.