Near Infrared Reflectance Spectroscopy
Making waves with NIR

Near Infrared Reflectance spectroscopy (NIR) is a sophisticated analytical technique for rapidly determining nutrient composition. Utilizing spectral properties of the feed, multiple nutrients are determined simultaneously. First utilized for feed analysis in the late 1970's, it's popularity has blossomed over the last 20 years to make it our most popular service. NIR is recognized by the Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC) as an official method of analysis. Continued enhancements to computer hardware and software have contributed to progressive refinements of the technology.

NIR is calibration dependent. Traditionally, calibrations were developed for common feed types by analyzing several hundred to several thousand samples. The chemical information contained in these samples is correlated to spectral properties and a calibration is born. For example, a corn silage calibration is based on samples grown and harvested under varying climatic and geographic conditions. Calibrations built upon many years of information provide the power of being able to accurately analyze samples grown under a wide variety of conditions.

The Dairy One Advantage
Dairy One has over 20 years of experience in NIR analysis. The analysis of hundreds of thousands of samples has enabled us to assemble a large sample database for calibration development. In 2000, we began using the LOCAL calibration software developed by Infrasoft International. The LOCAL calibration software is a quantum leap forward over traditional calibration development. In the past, global calibrations were built upon several hundred to several thousand analyses of individual samples to generate a single calibration that would be applied to all feeds of a particular type. Today, using the LOCAL technology, a calibration is built for each sample as it is analyzed by the instrument. The software searches the database for the sample spectra that most closely resembles the sample currently being analyzed. An individual calibration is then developed for that sample based on "it's closest relatives". In the world of calibrations, the more that your calibration (or background) samples match the sample being analyzed, the more accurate the results.

Utilizing this powerful new technology, Dairy One provides the analytical advantage when it comes to analyzing your samples.

NIR Applicability
At Dairy One, NIR can be used to analyze the feed types listed in the accompanying applicability chart. Any sample requesting a NIR package that is not suitable for a NIR analysis, will automatically be given the (11) Ration Balancer package. When considering NIR services, please check the (LINK) applicability chart to be sure that your samples are eligible.

NIR Services – all packages $16.
(F-321) Forage NIR – DM, CP, SP, RDP, ADICP, NDICP, est. lysine and methionine, ADF, NDF, lignin, starch, WSC, ESC (simple sugars), NFC, fat, ash, RFV, RFQ, (w/ 48hr NDFD), TDN, NEl, NEm, NEg, ME, DE, Ca, P, Mg, K, S, Cl. Silages also receive lactic acid, acetic acid, ammonia CPE, and VFA Score. Optional - select either NDFD24hr, 30hr or 48hr free of charge. Each additional NDFD time point at $4.00.

(G-322) Grain NIR – DM, CP, SP, RDP, ADICP, NDICP, est. lysine & methionine, ADF, NDF, lignin, starch, NFC, fat, ash, TDN, NEl, NEm, NEg, ME, DE, Ca, P, Mg, K, S. Available for the following grains only (dry, high moisture, or wet): shelled corn, ear corn, barley, oats, triticale, wheat, distillers and brewers grains.

(T-323) TMR NIR – DM, CP, SP, ADF, NDF, lignin, starch, NFC, fat, ash, TDN, NEl, NEm, NEg, ME, DE.

(M-329) $10 Wet Chemistry Minerals – substitute/add wet chemistry Ca, P, Mg, K, Na, K, Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn, Mo to any of the above NIR packages.

5/2007