Near Infrared Technology for Forage Testing

Introduction

To maintain an optimal balance between forage cost and productivity, the nutrient concentrations of all forage components should be verified. These values should then be used to develop diets and required supplements. However, the composition of the forage used may vary considerably due to origin, fertilizer use, seasonal variations, transportation, or storage. The raw material delivered to the feed mill may contain different nutritional levels, so a reliable assessment of the nutritional value of forages is a prerequisite for qualitative and quantitative methods of animal nutrition. Since its introduction, near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS) has been recognized as a tool for determining the chemical composition of dry forages. NIRS is increasingly used as a flexible technique in many research areas to predict quantitative and qualitative parameters for animal production, other agricultural products, and various industrial, pharmaceutical, and bioenergy materials.

Solutions

Based on years of research and extension experience in the field of forage quality, Lifeasible is an expert in using NIR technology for forage testing. We have cutting-edge NIR technology to provide independent, reliable, and fast forage analysis, enabling you to determine the nutritional value of your feed products. In addition, our NIRS is also used to predict the chemical composition and digestibility of hay and milled hay, silage, and forages.

A further development in NIRS technology is Fourier Transform (FT-NIRS), where improvements in signal-to-noise ratio, spectral resolution, wave number accuracy, and time scan reduction have been made. lifeasible offers fast and effective FT-NIR solutions for quality control and formulation adjustment from forage to finished feeds.

Quality Control of Feed Ingredients and Additives

With our FT-NIR-based spectroscopy platform, you can receive the information you need in seconds for feed formulation software to achieve tighter control of ingredients in finished feeds, thereby optimizing feed quality and reducing non-conforming products.

Monitoring Feed Production Processes

Our FT-NIR technology gives you a clear view of any production stage, from storage to milling, blending, drying, and pelleting.

Ensuring final feed quality

Traditional laboratory techniques for analyzing forages are often very time-consuming, usually based on labor-intensive chemical methods. Not only do these require experienced staff, but they often involve hazardous chemicals. Our FT-NIR spectroscopy method allows multi-component analysis of the main components of forage in less than a minute.

Advantages of FT-NIRS for Forage Testing

• No sample preparation, no waste.
• No special skills required; easy sample presentation.
• No typical errors of classical laboratory methods.
• Analysis of multiple components in less than one minute.
• Suitable for any solid, semi-solid, or liquid sample.

Lifeasible's FT-NIRS technology provides a fast and effective solution for analyzing raw materials and finished feeds to optimize production steps and monitor final product quality. We aim to provide a high standard of service to our customers, enabling them to make informed decisions on feeding strategies and feed product transactions. Our comprehensive online information will enable customers to collect and submit samples easily and then accurately interpret their results. For more information or to discuss in detail, please contact us.