NIRS Platform

1. NIRS Platform
Rapid analysis of 8 parameters (N, NDF,
ADF, ADL, DM, Ash, IVOMD and ME),
toxic compounds (tannins, phenols, HCN)
and amino & fatty acids (3000 visa-a-vis
50 samples /month)
• It works on the principle of
correlating optical spectral
signatures with physico-chemical
properties of sample matrix.
• This is used globally in feed
evaluation studies and also for rapid
crop improvement/ breeding
programs.

2. CHOPPING THE RESIDUE GRINDING
SAMPLES FOR SCANNING
NIRS SCANNING
STANDING CROP
PREDICTION
NIRS platform for rapid phenotyping of feed samples
Name of the Feed
DM
(%)
ME
(MJ/kg
DM)
CP
(g/kgDM)
Grazing 25 6 140
Green CO3 25 6.2 116.1
Green Agase/Flax 25 6.2 116.1
Green Maize 25 7.85 110
Ragi straw 90 6.14 92.1
Maize stover 90 9.00 60
Maize powder 89 8.11 60.0
Groundnut cake 80 10.32 467.6
Comp. feed-Nand 90 6.65 206.3

3. 3
NIRS machines
Stationary FOSS (70 000 $) Mobile Phazir (40 000 $) Mobile Brimrose (40 000$)
TellSpec < 2 000 $
SCIO < 2 000 $

4. NIRS support to other organisations
1. If the department or university is serious about feed analysis by NIRS and its sustained
use (large no. of samples), they should better buy a bigger stationary FOSS machine
(60,000 USD), WinISI software (10000 USD) and the system for its operation. They should
also invest in a grinder (15000 USD). A dedicated NIRS technology person is a must. In
this case they can build their own models for prediction. No need to depend on others.
2. If they want to analyse moderate number of feed samples, better they collaborate
with someone like ILRI, which already has WinIS platform. In this case what they have to
do is buy a small Tellspec NIRS machine (2000USD), a grinder (15000USD) and provide a
dedicated person. ILRI will give them a Basic Training (5 days) after the machine, grinder
and drying ovrn are purchased. Prasad, then will standardise that machine with ILRI
Master NIRS. After this they can grind samples, scan and send the scanned files to ILRI
for prediction (using WinISI platform).
3. If they want to do their own prediction with Tellspec, ILRI can train them (2nd level
advanced training) and they can use the Tellspec platform (cloud based). But in that case
they will not be able to use ILRI’s global equations as these instruments don’t work in
WinISI platform. ILRI has now developed one equation in WinISI platform (one for cup
and one for polybag) for all mobiles-all types of feeds combined
4. For non-FOSS machines, ILRI can develop equations in WinISI platform, if spectral
signatures and samples are provided as ILRI doesn’t have non-FOSS machines.

5. Type of sample Qty*
Green fodder /fresh matter (>30%
moisture), chopped
300g
Dry fodder having <30% moisture
(chopped) or other feeds such as
concentrates
50g
If samples of the above are ground
(1 mm sieve)
30g
Feed sampling protocol
* All samples should be replicated. Put the chopped / ground samples in muslin / cloth bags
There should be label both inside and outside
the sample bags with the following
information:
-Name of feed
-Fresh weight (only for green fodder)
-Replication No (R1 / R2 / R3)
-Location
-Date of collection
-Collector’s name

6. OFA Impact study
• About 8-10 milking animals (same breed and age) at peak lactation shall
be identified for the pilot and pre-trial data of each animal such as body
weight, quantity of feeds given, price, quantity and quality of milk
produced etc. may be recorded for 2-3 days (control).
• On the 4th day enter the data of each animal in the OFA tool and
generate the least cost feed solution using locally available feed
resources. For all the 10 animals
• Identify a representative animal from the group and prepare TMR in
bulk for all the 10 animals (same TMR) for 4 weeks at one place using
the feed advise generated for the representative animal. This TMR may
be supplied to all 10 farmers as per requirement.

7. OFA – Impact study
• Each selected animal may be adapted to this TMR for 7 days
and continue the trial for 3 more weeks by feeding the TMR
ad libitum allowing for about 15% refusal. Feed intake, its cost
and quantity & fat% of milk produced may be recorded on a
daily basis (Treatment).
• A local veterinarian shall monitor the health of the trial
animals from time to time and provide veterinary support.
• The data will be statistically analysed by ILRI through paired t-
test using GLM (generalized linear model) procedure.

8. Recommendation
Key issues and solutions:
• Create feed database for Rwanda. Action:
• NIRS capacity building of RAB staff. Action:
• Dry season feeding. Action:
• Promote micro business enterprises (e.g. rice cooperative) to produce
complete feed using crop residues
• Promote business enterprises to produce silage in monsoon season for sell in
dry season
• Crop breeders and animal nutritionists to work together to identify and promote
dual purpose crops (Maize, rice). Action:
• OFA
• Include heifers, bulls, beef cattle. Action: ILRI
• Rwandan language. Action: ILRI
• Field level promotion of OFA. Action:
• Impact study. Action:

9. THANK YOU
Thank you for your kind attention!