Corrigendum to: Optimisation of dry matter and nutrients in feed rations through use of a near-infrared spectroscopy system mounted on a self-propelled feed mixer

The objective of this study was to develop a practical approach for measuring variations in DM and silage quality parameters (crude protein, fibre, ash and fat) during the feed-extraction process from a bunker silo by a self-propelled feed mixer, which would ultimately help farmers to optimise the TMR.

Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) technology was used to estimate fodder DM and nutrient contents in the material flow. Wet chemical analyses were used for preliminary evaluation of grass and maize silage samples. A portable NIRS was developed to record the spectra of various silage samples.

The spans of calibration of sample DM content were 21.3–59.2% for grass and 26–46.7% for maize. Crude protein content had span values of 11.4–18.3% for the grass silage and 5.4–10.8% for the maize silage models.

NIRS technology was used successfully to estimate the DM and nutrient contents of the fodder. The location for the functional unit on the self-propelled feed mixer may need to be modified for series production because it is not fully accessible.

NIRS is a suitable method for measuring DM and nutrient contents continuously during feed extraction from the bunker silo and can be used to help farmers to optimise the TMR.