Publication Date
1997
Description
This work assessed the potential of near infra-red spectroscopy (NIRS) to predict the voluntary intake and fermentation characteristics of grass silage. NIRS spectra were obtained from dried milled (Dry) or fresh samples by two methods (Wet1 - vertical transport mechanism and Wet2 - rotating cup drawer). Prediction errors (SECV as a percentage of mean values) were 5.5, 6.5 and 2.5 for Dry, Wet1 and Wet2 respectively for intake by dairy cows (n=28). Corresponding values were 10.3, 16.1 and 10.9 for lambs (n=88). The Wet2 method gave more accurate predictions than Wet1 except for predictions of ADF and unfermentable metabolisable energy (UFME) and was more accurate than the Dry sample method for the prediction of intake by dairy cows, TDM and UFME. However, the Dry sample technique performed best for OM, NDF, ADF, pH, sugar, lactic acid and VFA. NIRS has the potential to replace all the current advisory analytical methods.
Citation
Offer, N W.; Percival, D S.; and Thomas, C, "Recent Developments in the Use of Near Infra-Red Spectroscopy for the Evaluation of Grass Silage" (2024). IGC Proceedings (1997-2023). 40.
https://uknowledge.uky.edu/igc/1997/session17/40
Included in
Agricultural Science Commons, Agronomy and Crop Sciences Commons, Plant Biology Commons, Plant Pathology Commons, Soil Science Commons, Weed Science Commons
Recent Developments in the Use of Near Infra-Red Spectroscopy for the Evaluation of Grass Silage
This work assessed the potential of near infra-red spectroscopy (NIRS) to predict the voluntary intake and fermentation characteristics of grass silage. NIRS spectra were obtained from dried milled (Dry) or fresh samples by two methods (Wet1 - vertical transport mechanism and Wet2 - rotating cup drawer). Prediction errors (SECV as a percentage of mean values) were 5.5, 6.5 and 2.5 for Dry, Wet1 and Wet2 respectively for intake by dairy cows (n=28). Corresponding values were 10.3, 16.1 and 10.9 for lambs (n=88). The Wet2 method gave more accurate predictions than Wet1 except for predictions of ADF and unfermentable metabolisable energy (UFME) and was more accurate than the Dry sample method for the prediction of intake by dairy cows, TDM and UFME. However, the Dry sample technique performed best for OM, NDF, ADF, pH, sugar, lactic acid and VFA. NIRS has the potential to replace all the current advisory analytical methods.
