Microtracers (tm) F (colored uniformly sized iron particles) are easily identifiable "harmless markers" used to assure the quality of mixed formula animal and poultry feeds. When formulated in vitamin, mineral or medicated premixes, a Microtracer serves to mark the presence of the premix in the finished feeds. Finished feeds then contain both the coded microingredient and the Microtracer. Samples of the premix and the finished feed can be assayed for the Microtracer qualitatively in two minutes and quantitatively in five minutes with no reagent other than water or alcohol required. The Microtracer result can then be used as an excellent indicator for the coded microingredient. When assayed quantitatively, Microtracers F can be used to document efficacy of mixing as well as adequacy of batch to batch "cleanout" of mixers and other feed manufacturing equipment. Microtracers F are isolated from feed samples either utilizing a Mason Jar with magnetic lid or a Microtracer "Rotary Detector" magnetic separator. With the "Rotary Detector" samples as large as 500 grams may be assayed routinely. Microtracers F consist of iron grits (95% passing 35 mesh and 95% retained on 120 mesh) coated with one or more natural or artificial food colors stabilized with sodium carbonate. Colors include Blue, Red, Orange, Green and various combinations.
