Taking near infrared spectroscopy beyond feedstuff analysis to enhance animal production profitability
Hadden Graham A D , Chris Piotrowski B and Robert Van Barneveld CA AB Vista Feed Ingredients, 3 Woodstock Court, Marlborough, Wilts, SN8 4AN, UK.
B Aunir, The Dovecote, Pury Hill Business Park, Towcester, NN12 7 LS, UK.
C Barneveld Nutrition Pty Ltd, 16–18 Riverland Drive, Loganholme, Qld 4129, Australia.
D Corresponding author. Email: hadden.graham@abagri.com
Animal Production Science 53(11) 1179-1181 https://doi.org/10.1071/AN13264
Submitted: 2 July 2013 Accepted: 20 August 2013 Published: 5 September 2013
Abstract
Near infrared reflectance (NIR) spectroscopy allows a cheap and rapid estimation of composition, and thus is widely used in the animal feed industry for the quality control and quality assurance of feeds and particularly feed ingredients. However, such analyses are often limited to a few variables not closely related to the nutritive value of the particular feed ingredients, and are often retrospective. This paper discusses recent developments in both hardware and software, which now allow real-time and in-line analysis of feed ingredients and feeds, and how these can be used to save substantial costs in the feed industry worldwide by reducing feed costs and giving more predictable animal performance. We also discuss how laboratory, hand-held and in-line NIR equipment could be widely used in the future for the purchase of feed ingredients and the manufacture of animal feeds.
Additional keywords: analysis, feeds, feedstuffs, production.
References
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