A study conducted by University of Wisconsin–Madison evaluated the effectiveness of portable Near Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS) technology for on-farm forage dry matter analysis.
The research confirmed that portable NIRS systems can accurately measure dry matter content in corn silage and alfalfa silage, helping dairy farms improve ration consistency and feeding management.
The study used the AgriNIR™ Portable Analyzer developed by Dinamica Generale to perform rapid forage dry matter measurements directly on-site.
Portable NIRS technology allows operators to:
The system requires minimal sample preparation and provides results within seconds.
Researchers compared portable NIRS measurements with traditional oven drying methods over an 11-week period.
The study included:
Results showed strong correlation between portable NIRS and laboratory oven methods:
The portable analyzer accurately followed dry matter changes over time, even during significant forage variability.
One of the main advantages highlighted by the study was the ability to increase the frequency of forage dry matter analysis directly on the farm.
Frequent monitoring helps nutritionists and farm managers:
Portable NIRS technology makes daily forage monitoring practical and cost-effective for modern dairy operations.
The study concluded that portable NIRS is a reliable tool for improving forage dry matter management in dairy farms.
By combining speed, portability, and accurate analysis, systems such as the AgriNIR™ Portable Analyzer help farms implement more effective precision feeding strategies while improving operational efficiency and ration consistency.
Evaluation of On-Farm Forage Dry Matter Determined by Near Infrared Spectroscopy