Interactions of alpha-amylase and calcium chelator during neutral detergent fiber analysis.

Amylase and calcium chelators, such as disodium ethylene diaminotetraacetate (EDTA), are used in analysis of neutral detergent fiber (NDF) to dissolve starch and pectin, respectively. However, these reagents may interfere with each other's activity. Six combinations of alpha-amylase and EDTA were examined for determining NDF values of beet pulp (Beta vulgaris), ground corn (Zea mays L.