Note on the methods for determination of chromic oxide in shrimp feeds

Chromic oxide is used as an inert marker to measure apparent digestibility of feeds in insects, terrestrial, and aquatic animals. Quantitative determination of chromic oxide content in the sample requires the oxidation of water insoluble trivalent chromic oxide to its water-soluble hexavalent form. The two commonly used oxidizing agents are 70% perchloric acid or a mixture of sodium molybdate, sulfuric, and perchloric acid. Chromic oxide content of the oxidized solution is then measured against known standards either directly by spectrophotometry in the visible range at 350, 370, or 440 nm or after forming a colored complex with diphenylcarbazide (DPC) by colorimetry at 540 nm. This study compared the two methods of oxidation followed by spectrophotometry at the three wavelengths and by DPC colorimetry, DPC colorimetry gave precise results than the direct measurement of dichromate ion, irrespective of the method of oxidation used. Ash from samples oxidized by perchloric acid and quantified by DPC colorimetry gave a better measure of actual chromic oxide content as compared to the other methods tested.