NIRS

NEAR INFRARED REFLECTANCE SPECTROSCOPY (NIRS)

~ fast and accurate results ~

WHAT IS NIRS?

It allows us to analyze forages for soluble protein content of grass silage and starch content of corn silage -  in addition to basic analysis.

NIRS operates on the principle of electromagnetic radiation, similar to x-rays but in the near infrared light spectrum. Light absorbed by hydrogen containing bonds is measured between 400 and 2500 nm. These absorption values for each wavelength are used to form multivariate regression equations for a number of chemical and digestibility measurements.

ADVANTAGES:
• In many cases, eliminates the need for drying and grinding forage and grain samples
• Rapid prediction – 5 minutes per sample
• Accepted world wide
• Environmentally friendly – No chemicals to dispose
• Sample remains intact
• Can predict infinite number of constituents with one scan

WHAT CAN NIRS MEASURE?
• Routinely used to predict moisture and protein at grain elevators
• Routinely used to predict moisture, protein, fiber in forages
• Routinely used in the pharmaceutical industry for incoming ingredient quality control
• Gaining acceptance in the wine manufacturing industry
• Energy value and amino acid composition of grains such as wheat and barley
• Digestibility of grains and forages
• Animal feed intake and performance 

Cost: $25 / sample