Animal Feed Digestibility Prediction via NIR Spectroscopy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for assessing the digestibility of animal feed are specific, expensive, and time-consuming, lacking a broadly applicable and cost-effective solution for analyzing the nutritional value of animal feed.
Innovation Solution
A computer model is developed using in vitro digestion and Near Infrared (NIR) spectroscopy to predict the concentration of residual components in animal feed, allowing for the determination of digestibility and potential improvements in feed composition through the use of post-additives.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If wet chemistry analytical methods are used to assess feed digestibility, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces wet chemistry analytical methods with Near Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS) technology. NIRS uses electromagnetic radiation in the near-infrared region to rapidly analyze feed samples, eliminating the need for time-consuming chemical reactions and manual procedures while maintaining acceptable measurement precision for digestibility assessment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a predictive model that correlates NIRS spectral data with reference digestibility values obtained from wet chemistry methods. This model allows rapid prediction of digestibility without repeating the expensive and time-consuming wet chemistry analysis, effectively using a simplified copy (spectral fingerprint) to represent the complex chemical composition.
2Measurement precision
If wet chemistry analytical methods are used to assess feed digestibility, then measurement precision is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive wet chemistry analytical methods with Near Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS) technology. NIRS uses electromagnetic radiation in the near-infrared region to rapidly analyze feed samples, eliminating the need for costly chemical reagents, specialized laboratory equipment, and extensive manual procedures while maintaining acceptable measurement precision for digestibility assessment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a predictive model that correlates NIRS spectral data with reference digestibility values obtained from wet chemistry methods. This model allows rapid prediction of digestibility without repeating the expensive wet chemistry analysis, effectively using a simplified copy (spectral fingerprint) to represent the complex chemical composition.
3Productivity
If NIRS technology is used for feed analysis, then productivity is improved, but measurement precision may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary calibration by collecting NIRS spectral data from numerous feed samples with known composition (determined by reference methods) and establishing predictive relationships before actual analysis. This pre-established model allows rapid prediction while maintaining precision, as the spectral patterns have already been correlated with actual component concentrations during the calibration phase.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes NIRS measurement parameters including wavelength selection, spectral preprocessing methods, and model development techniques to maximize the correlation between spectral data and actual component concentrations. By carefully selecting and tuning these parameters, the system achieves both rapid analysis and acceptable measurement precision for feed composition assessment.
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 method provides a rapid, cost-effective, and accurate analysis of feed digestibility, enabling the selection and adjustment of feed compositions to enhance the digestibility of components like protein, phosphorus, carbohydrates, fats, and gross energy, reducing the need for expensive and time-consuming wet chemistry methods.
Implementation Method 1
scanning the solid component of each of the plurality of digested animal feed samples obtained in step (b) 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.