Feed costs represent the largest operating cost for most businesses. Feeds should be analyzed to achieve an optimum balance between feed costs and production. Feed ingredients vary widely in nutrient concentration due to location, harvest date (maturity), year, and other management practices. Most commercial laboratories offer standard feed tests for roughages, grains or total mixed rations. It is recommended to analyze cattle feeds for moisture, protein and energy. It may also be desirable to identify essential minerals or minor nutrients. Nutrients should always be balanced on a dry matter basis as nutrient requirements for beef cattle are reported on a dry matter basis.
Crude fiber is a traditional measure of the fiber content in feeds. Acid detergent fiber (ADF) and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) are useful measures of nutritional value and should be used to evaluate forages and formula rations.
Acid detergent fiber (ADF) are the least digestible plant components, including cellulose and lignin. ADF values are inversely proportional to digestibility, so forages with lower ADF concentrations are generally higher in energy.
Neutral detergent fiber (NDF) is related to the structural components of the plant and especially to the cell wall. NDF is an indication of voluntary intake as it provides bulk or padding. In general, low NDF values are desirable because the NDF value increases as feeds mature.
Acid detergent lignin (ADL), on the other hand, is a compound that affects the ability of animals to digest grass. With the maturation of the plants, the lignin content increases and its digestibility decreases.
In the test, analysis, measurement and evaluation studies carried out in our organization, national and international standards and applicable legal regulations are complied with and reliable and impartial results are obtained. These studies are based on the latest technological equipment, trained and experienced staff and modern methods. Among the numerous tests carried out in this context, there are also feed analyzes - ADF, NDF and ADL analysis services in feeds.
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