Animal Feed Digestibility Analysis via NIR Spectroscopy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for analyzing animal feed digestibility are costly, time-consuming, and specific to particular feeds, making them inefficient for broad application and rapid analysis.
Innovation Solution
An in vitro digestion method using pepsin and pancreatin followed by Near Infrared (NIR) spectroscopy to predict the concentration of residual components like protein, phosphorous, fat, and fiber, allowing for the adjustment of animal feed compositions to improve digestibility through the use of pre- and post-additives.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If wet chemistry analytical methods are used to analyze animal feed digestibility, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs in vitro digestion of feed samples before analysis, simulating the animal's gastrointestinal process in advance. This preliminary digestion step allows subsequent rapid NIR spectroscopy measurement to accurately predict digestibility, resolving the contradiction by preparing the sample beforehand so that the actual measurement can be done quickly without sacrificing precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional wet chemistry analytical methods with Near Infrared (NIR) spectroscopy for measuring digestibility. NIR spectroscopy uses electromagnetic radiation instead of complex chemical reactions, enabling rapid analysis within minutes while maintaining measurement precision through calibration models that correlate spectral data with actual nutrient content.
2Measurement precision
If wet chemistry analytical methods are used to analyze animal feed digestibility, then measurement precision is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes expensive wet chemistry analytical methods with NIR spectroscopy, which uses electromagnetic radiation and computer algorithms. This substitution dramatically reduces analysis costs while maintaining measurement precision through calibrated predictive models that relate spectral characteristics to nutrient digestibility, eliminating the need for costly chemical reagents and extensive laboratory procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a mathematical model (computer model) that copies the relationship between feed composition and digestibility based on calibration data from wet chemistry analysis. Once the model is established, it can predict digestibility for any feed sample without repeating the expensive wet chemistry process, thereby maintaining measurement precision while eliminating recurring analysis costs.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional feed analysis methods are used, then adaptability to specific feeds is improved, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent develops a universal NIR spectroscopy system with a computer model that can analyze multiple types of animal feeds simultaneously. The system performs in vitro digestion followed by rapid NIR measurement, providing feed-specific digestibility information across different feedstuffs (forages, grains, protein sources, etc.) within minutes, thereby achieving both adaptability to various feeds and high productivity through standardized rapid analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary in vitro digestion to all feed samples using standardized protocols that simulate animal gastrointestinal conditions. This preliminary treatment adapts diverse feed types to a common analytical state, allowing the subsequent NIR spectroscopy to rapidly analyze all samples with equal accuracy, thus maintaining feed-specific adaptability while achieving high throughput and productivity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enables rapid, cost-effective analysis of animal feed digestibility, allowing for the selection and adjustment of feed compositions to achieve desired nutritional profiles without the need for extensive wet chemistry analysis, thereby improving nutrient availability for animals.
Implementation Method 1
digesting a sample of animal feed in vitro using at least one enzyme to generate digested animal feed
Implementation Method 2
the sample of animal feed is digested with pepsin followed by digestion with pancreatin
Implementation Method 3
scanning the solid component of the digested animal feed using NIR spectroscopy to generate spectral data
Data Source
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AI summary
The present application provides systems and methods for analyzing animal feeds and for adjusting animal feeds to improve the digestibility of animal feed components. Digestibility of animal feed can be determined by performing in vitro digestion of the feed and analyzing concentrations of residual components in the digested feed by NIR spectroscopy. Animal feed compositions can be adjusted to improve digestibility of components in the feed. The systems and methods of the present application can be used to determine the effect of an additive on the digestibility of feed.