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Real-Time NIR Technology Improves Precision Feeding on Dairy and Beef Farms

Near Infrared Reflectance (NIR) technology is transforming modern feed management by allowing producers to analyze forage quality directly on the farm and in real time.

Dinamica Generale developed the dg precisionFEEDING System and the AgriNIR™ Portable Analyzer to help dairy and beef producers improve ration accuracy, feeding consistency, and overall farm profitability.

Real-Time Feed Analysis During Loading Operations

The dg precisionFEEDING System combines:

  • DTM Feed Management Software
  • Top Scale weighing indicators
  • Real-time NIR forage analyzers

The NIR analyzer can be installed directly inside the bucket of a front-end loader, where it performs real-time analysis during forage loading operations.

In less than 30 seconds, the system measures:

  • Dry matter
  • Starch
  • Crude protein
  • ADF
  • NDF
  • Ash
  • Crude fat

The measured values are immediately transferred to the weighing indicator and feeding software.

Automatic Ration Adjustments Based on Real Data

One of the key advantages of the system is the ability to automatically adjust ingredient loading weights according to the actual dry matter detected during loading.

The software compares the real-time NIR values with the nutritionist’s target ration and recalculates the as-fed quantity required to maintain the correct dry matter inclusion.

This helps improve:

  • TMR consistency
  • Feeding precision
  • Feed efficiency
  • Animal performance
  • Inventory management

Reducing the Impact of Forage Variability

Traditional forage analysis often requires samples to be sent to external laboratories, with results taking several days.

Portable and on-board NIR technology allows producers to analyze forage multiple times during loading and feeding operations, providing immediate results directly on the farm.

This helps farms better manage forage variability, which can significantly affect milk production and feeding efficiency.

Research from the USDA Forage Research Center showed that even a single-day decrease in dry matter intake can negatively impact milk production over the following days.

Precision Feeding for Better Profitability

According to Dinamica Generale, the biggest advantage of on-farm NIR technology is the ability to optimize feed costs while maintaining highly consistent rations.

More frequent and representative forage analysis reduces formulation errors and supports more stable production performance.

For modern dairy and beef operations, real-time NIR technology has become an important tool for:

  • Improving ration consistency
  • Increasing feed efficiency
  • Reducing waste
  • Supporting animal health
  • Maximizing farm profitability

Integrated Feeding Management Solutions

The dg precisionFEEDING System also stores and manages all feeding data through cloud-connected software platforms.

The system tracks:

  • Ingredient quantities
  • Nutritional values
  • Feed costs
  • Labor efficiency
  • Feeding performance

This integrated approach helps producers make data-driven feeding decisions while improving operational efficiency across the entire farm.

Feedstuffs Reprint: NIR system formulates on the go

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