Micrograph collection

This collection, started in 2007, constitutes the largest repository of micrographs related to the detection of PAPs in feed.  Through more than 900 high quality pictures taken by stereomicroscopy or light microscopy, the collection tends to illustrate the diversity of animal remains which can be found in feed.  Typical illustrations of fish, farmed mammals, sea mammals, birds, rodents remains and insects are to be found.  Each picture contains separated information on the animal origin, the microscopic techniques used (bright field, polarized, DIC, phase contrast…), the embedding agent used, the staining, the magnification, etc. Every micrograph possesses a scale bar and an engraved EURL-AP logo.

Initially only accessible for the NRL network, since January 2021 the micrograph collection has turned to an open collection accessible to everyone. The content of this collection evolves with present issues usually raised by the NRL network during the annual workshop. Enrichment of the collection is supported by the large EURL-AP sample bank.

Searchers having access to the collection are free to use the pictures for publication provided they use a courtesy mention.

Other educational activities are supported by the EURL-AP intranet.

Protocols

Aside EU regulation, the next protocols developed by the EURL-AP can be found on the intranet:

  • Submission of samples to the EURL-AP for official counter analysis
  • Conditions of image submission to the EURL-AP Micrograph collection

These protocols are restricted to the NRL members.

Training notes

Most of the training lectures are to be found on the EURL-AP intranet. Within a dedicated menu, NRL members can consult on-line or download the PDF formatted versions constituting the various training notes.  This possibility is only granted to NRLs which are free to use the notes within the scope of their national training programs.

Video sequences

By end of 2009, the EURL-AP team realised a DVD illustrating the implementation of the official method. The video sequences illustrate different phases of preparation before final microscopic observation :

  • Sample preparation and sedimentation process
  • Sediment staining by Alizarin Red
  • Sieving and slide mounting
  • Some bad examples that should be avoid

The intention of the video sequence offered to the NRLs was to standardize as much as possible the sample preparation by using the official method.  In this respect it also illustrates the use of the photopolymer used for the permanent slides.  Actually over the years the EURL-AP demonstrated the key issue of slide mounting for a correct detection of animal proteins and their estimation of adulteration levels.

Based on this first realisation, in 2011 a second DVD was prepared for the correct implementation of PCR detection of animal proteins.  This new DVD presents in five sequences the tips and tricks required for successful real time PCR analyses.  This DVD was diffused to the NRLs.  It also serves as a training support for the EURL-AP PCR trainings.