Potential for real-time ingredient quality control procedures

Current systems of feed and ingredient quality control are often useful in providing only historical data after feed has been prepared and delivered to the farm. There is a need for real-time analyses which likely will have to involve measurements of physical characteristics correlated with chemical composition. the situation is further confounded by the fact that nutritionists now need information on available or digestible nutrients, rather than total levels alone. This article discusses various systems, including Near-Infrared Reflectance Analysis (NIRA), various in vitro systems, X-ray fluorescence, and other systems that measure electrical or optical properties of feed. Development of these systems is very expensive and time-consuming, and their success will likely depend upon genuine cooperation across all segments of the feed industry.