Feed Analysis with FT-NIR

Quality Control

In order to maintain an optimum balance between feed costs and productivity, all feed ingredients should be verified for nutrient concentration and these values are then used to formulate the rations and required supplements. However, the used feedstuffs may differ widely in composition, due to origin, fertilizer use, seasonal changes, transport or storage. The raw materials delivered to the feed mill are likely to contain varying nutrient levels, depending on supplier, or even day of delivery.

Fourier Transform Near Infrared spectroscopy (FT-NIR) spectroscopy provides a fast and effective solution for analyzing raw materials as well as finished feeds in order to optimize the production steps and monitor the final product quality.

Common tasks in food processing are the following:

To produce the optimum feed at lowest cost it is important to know everything about your raw materials. With FT-NIR spectroscopy, you receive the information you need for your feed formulation software in a matter of seconds rather than hours or days when using conventional technology.

Moreover, due to the speed and low cost of each single analysis, you can have a much tighter control on what is going into the finished feed, thus optimizing the feed quality and reducing out-of-spec production.

Our touch-screen operated TANGO FT-NIR spectrometer is ideal, even to use in the production area, since it needs no expert training and the user interface comes in 17 languages.

To maximize profit in your feed production, FT-NIR is an essential tool. Modern online technology enables you to have a clear picture at any stage of production, from storage to milling, mixing, drying and pelleting.

The MATRIX-F II FT-NIR spectrometer comes with either contactless measurement heads or with diffuse reflection probes. Our experts will find together with you the best technology and the optimum installation point.

With online analysis, you know exactly what is happening at all stages and can make the right decisions. This helps you to keep tight margins, manage quality and dramatically reduce the amount of re-work.

The ideal diet for a particular type of animal varies with type of breed, stage of life and environmental influences. To match the customers’ expectations on the nutritional requirements of their livestock, but also comply to governmental regulations, it is essential to know the accurate composition of the finished product before shipping.

An average feed mill can easily produce more than hundred different types of feed, depending on the type of animal or pet. Considering the huge number of samples for analysis, classic lab techniques tend to be time consuming since they often base on labor-intensive chemical methods. These require not only experienced staff, but often involve hazardous chemicals. FT-NIR spectroscopy on the other hand allows a multi-component analysis of the main constituents in less than a minute. This is of course also valid for premixes and amino acid supplements.

FT-NIR Advantage

Copared to most wet-chemistry and other reference methods the FT-NIR technology is quick, cost- effective, non-destructive and safe, since it does not use chemicals, solvents or gases. It simply measures the absorption of near-infrared light of the sample at different wavelengths recording molecular vibrations of all organic molecules. By this NIR spectroscopy is the first choice for the analysis of a wide variety of foodstuffs.

The key benefits of FT-NIR spectroscopy are:

no sample preparation, no waste
no special skills required, easy sample presentation
no typical errors of classical lab methods
analysis of multiple components in less than one minute
suitable for any solid, semi-solid or liquid sample

FT-NIR Spectroscopy: A fast and non-destructive technology for the animal feed industry.

Application Areas

Trusted Solutions with Our Partners

Bruker has teamed up with world class partners to provide the optimum solution for animal nutrition:

AB Vista

AB Vista is an animal nutrition technology company offering pioneering products and technical services to the global animal feed industry. Since its establishment in 2004, AB Vista has grown to be a top-three player in feed enzymes and is also one of the largest suppliers of natural betaine to the global animal nutrition industry

Adisseo PNE

Precise Nutrition Evaluation (PNE) is a NIRS service offered by Adisseo. PNE enables to monitor the raw materials quality through in vivo - based calibrations and manage accurate formulation with savings. Ideal decision-making tool for nutritionists, formulators, purchasers and quality control managers.

BIPEA

BIPEA is a European nonprofit organization located in France. Gathering nearly 2500 laboratories in the world (throughout 120 countries), it offers more than 150 regular proficiency testing programs. Through its ISO / IEC 17043 accreditation and ISO 9001 certification, it guarantees laboratories of its competence to organize proficiency testing programs.

DSM Animal Nutrition & Health

DSM is supplying the animal farming value chain with products and services that are fundamental to keep the health and well-being of animals. DSM supports its customers for a more efficient and sustainable production with precise nutrition solutions, by continually developing and offering traditional and special calibration curves for quick analysis of raw material and feed using Near Infrared technology.

Evonik Industries

Evonik’s AMINONIR® service uses near infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS) to predict the crude protein and amino acid content in more than 60 important feed ingredients. Its predictive calibrations draw on a large and global set of diverse samples to estimate crude protein, dry matter, essential and nonessential amino acids for all major feed ingredients.

MG2MIX

MG2MIX is an independent French premix producer, specialized in the manufacturing of premixes, mineral feeds and nutritional specialties for poultry, swine, ruminants, rabbits, horses, pet-food and aquaculture, as well as in advising their customers from feed formulation to monitoring animal performances on farm.

TECHNA

TECHNA FRANCE NUTRITION is the subsidiary responsible for feed expertise activities, TECHNA Group’s traditional business, supporting the development of its customers via three core fields of expertise: precision nutrition, livestock technology and economics of production.

WISIUM

Wisium, ADM’s global premix activity, has been a major player in the animal nutrition industry for over 60 years. Partnering with customers and industry experts, Wisium provides millers, integrators, and home mixers services, solutions, and products targeting enhanced quality, performance, productivity and profitability. Wisium experts deliver tailor-made solutions, combining high quality products and value-added services for a variety of species’ nutritional needs.