Optimal Feed Quantity and Quality for Cows
New spectroscopy technology replaces expensive and time-consuming analyses, providing farmers with a powerful tool to optimise their operations.
From Research to Barn
Nofima researcher Erik Tengstrand is developing prediction models that make measurement methods both user-friendly and reliable. Creating precise and robust calibrations requires knowledge of raw materials and their nutritional composition, as well as expertise in statistics and data modelling. Nofima’s researchers have honed this competence over several decades, benefiting an ever-expanding range of fields within agriculture and the food industry.
Precision Feeding for Increased Profitability
TINE is investing in this technology to assist dairy farmers, collaborating with Tengstrand. Together, they are building calibrations that provide rapid and dependable results for adjusting feed regimens.
“Farmers can use silage analysis results to create feeding plans based on their available feed stocks. These analyses are typically conducted from September to April, ensuring efficient feed utilisation,” explains Tilmann Hettasch, a specialist advisor at Norwegian Milk Raw Material (TINE).
The traditional analysis method costs approximately 1.000 Norwegian kroner per sample and takes one to two weeks to yield results. The new method and transport logistics via milk tankers aim for a price of around 200 Norwegian kroner with results available within a couple of days.
Perfect Timing for Harvesting
“Grass nutrient content varies throughout the year. Our predictions aim to help farmers identify optimal nutrient levels, enabling them to harvest at peak quality,” says Erik Tengstrand.
However, seasonal variations are not the only factors affecting fresh grass. Pastures and meadows can contain various plant species, and weather, soil, and sunlight conditions all play a role.
Consequently, there are countless variations in the nutritional composition of fresh grass. Researchers must consider all these factors when building their calibrations. The goal is to provide reliable information that helps farmers optimise feeding and milk production year-round.
Advanced Colour Analysis
Nofima uses spectroscopy – a highly sophisticated colour analysis – to analyse cow feed. The method examines thousands of colours, many beyond human perception.
“Different colours indicate various properties, but humans can’t discern these. This is where spectroscopic methods come in. Humans can see wavelengths up to 700 nanometres, so we can’t see the colours of water, protein, carbohydrates, and fat. All these substances are measurable at 1400 nanometres. By analysing spectroscopic data, we can differentiate between these and calibrate to identify what’s what,” Tengstrand explains.
Calibration helps distinguish colours with different properties and identify what these colours represent. A single colour can indicate various characteristics, which the calibrations must account for. For example, a green banana indicates it’s unripe, but not everything green is unripe – a green car isn’t green because it’s immature.
The aim is to provide reliable information that helps farmers optimise feeding and milk production throughout the year.
“The technology and models we’re developing can streamline both feed and milk production, give farmers better control over their resources, and potentially increase profitability in a challenging industry,” concludes Erik Tengstrand.
This innovative approach demonstrates how cutting-edge technology and research can directly benefit agricultural practices, improving efficiency and productivity in the dairy industry.
