The current and future role of near infrared reflectance spectroscopy in animal nutrition: a review

Abstract

This paper aims to present an overview of the research into and application of near infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS) in relation to animal nutrition over the last decade or so. Emphasis is placed on the developments in the characterisation of forages, although aspects of non-forage feeds are also considered. The changing remit of animal nutrition in relation to human food production and the environment is placing increasing requirements on feed characterisation to be more physiologically meaningful. How NIRS might meet this challenge is discussed, as is the potential of NIRS for feed identification and authentication.