Volatile fatty acid dosage

What are volatile fatty acids?

Volatile fatty acids (VFAs) are short-chain organic acids generated during fermentation processes or the degradation of organic matter. The most commonly analyzed are:

• Acetic acid
• Propionic acid
• Butyric acid
• Sometimes: isobutyric, isovaleric, caproic, etc.

These compounds are key indicators of fermentation quality and the state of biodegradation of a sample. Their quantification makes it possible to monitor the evolution of biological processes, optimize formulations, or control natural or industrial fermentations.

Why measure VFAs?

The measurement of volatile fatty acids (VFAs) is essential in many fields:

• Evaluation of silage quality for animal nutrition (cattle, sheep, goats)
• Control of fermentations in food, plant or nutraceutical products
• Monitoring of methanization or composting processes
• Analysis of the stability or contamination of plant extracts or organic products
• Monitoring of sludge, effluents or digestate in an environmental context
• Optimization of fermentable formulations or probiotics

An unbalanced VFA profile may indicate uncontrolled fermentation, microbial contamination, or a loss of nutritional value.

Analytical method used

Volatile fatty acid analysis is generally performed by:

• Gas chromatography with flame ionization detection (GC-FID)

This method is recognized for its reliability, sensitivity, and ability to precisely separate AGVs, even in complex matrices. It allows for accurate quantification at trace levels and good reproducibility, essential in regulated or industrial environments.

Matrices involved

The most commonly analyzed matrices for AGVs include:

• Corn silage, grass silage, alfalfa silage
• Fermented products: drinks, plant extracts, kombucha, etc.
• Sludge, digestate, compost resulting from the treatment of organic waste
• Wastewater or agricultural effluents
• Animal nutrition formulations or premixes
• Probiotic or fermentable supplements

The analysis can be adapted to solid, liquid or semi-solid matrices after specific extraction and processing.

Regulatory context and quality

Although volatile fatty acids (VFAs) are not systematically subject to regulatory thresholds, their dosage is often required in:

• Internal quality controls of animal feed manufacturers
• Agronomic or environmental compliance audits
• Industrial fermentation optimization programs
• R&D efforts on products rich in microbiomes or ferments
• HACCP or FAMI-QS assessments

Their dosage also allows for the establishment of analytical traceability within the framework of certifications or supplier contracts.

Why go through YesWeLab?

At YesWeLab , we provide you with a network of partner laboratories specializing in physico-chemical and microbiological analyses, rigorously selected and certified ISO 17025 or accredited COFRAC.

Our services include:

• Selecting the laboratory best suited to your matrix
• Customized technical support tailored to your industrial constraints
• Access to a secure digital platform to manage your analyses, results, and history
• Dedicated scientific expertise to support you in interpreting fermentation profiles

Need to measure volatile fatty acids in your samples?

YesWeLab helps you master your fermentation processes, organic formulations, and quality control procedures.
Contact our scientific team now for a customized study or a quick quote.