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NIR is important technology in the testing of feed materials in the animal nutrition industry. It is a quick, accurate and cost-effective means of determining the composition of materials and can be used for raw materials, silage and complete compound feeds.

The accuracy of NIR relies on a constantly updated database of raw material qualities. NIR instruments can be networked and the data shared which improved the accuracy and reliability of the information.

Provimi has been expanding its NIR network for the past 12 years. The basis for the calibration lines the company supplies come from NIR instruments in 20 different Provimi laboratories across the World. "By pooling and calibrating data from these sites centrally, all possible variations in raw materials and feed products are included in the calibration lines," says Provimi's NIR Specialist in Asia Andre Brand.

"These calibrations are sent from a central server to the NIR machines at our clients through line updates, so instruments are be standardised across the World. As a result, the equations used in feed formulations are very robust and the risk analysis inaccuracies due to local and seasonal variations are minimized, making Provimi NIR network among the most reliable worldwide. We have equations for testing 100 ingredients and numerous complete feeds, which can be carried out very cost-effectively."

NIR tests the key components in feed, such as moisture, crude protein, fat, fibre, starch and ash in raw materials - before they leave the delivery lorry or bin, in complete feeds before delivery to the farm and in silages on behalf of producers.

Pahang Pharmacy
Pahang Pharmacy distributes and markets Provimi feed formulations to the Malaysian poultry and swine industry. "Provimi's state-of-the-art Near Infra Red will became part of the service we offer to producers here at Pahang Pharmacy," says managing director Mr Sing Peng Diong.

‘Provimi supplies the nutritional input and feed formulation know-how for our customers in the Malaysian market. These programs supply our customers with excellent technical performance and economical returns on farm. ‘The quality control with Provimi's NIR is a great tool in helping our customers have the same feed composition as what has been formulated specifically for them by our specialists. That is a huge added benefit.'

"We look forward to using it to continue the growth of our business with Malaysian farmers." Mr. Diong adds.

NIR & Provimi
NIR plays a major part in cost-effective feed formulations and in improvements in animal performance. Provimi can provide full NIR support, ranging from on-site installation of NIR equipment and setting equations to training of staff. Also included is the servicing and support of instruments from local Provimi companies.

"The immediate and routine checking of incoming raw materials facilitates more accurate preparation of animal feed within strict specifications and minimises compensation for variability in the raw materials composition," adds Provimi's NIR specialist in Asia Andre Brand. "Moreover, customers can achieve potential performance improvements when feeding livestock according to their specific needs. This will result in more efficient production, faster growth and less waste."

Continuing its research programme in NIR, Provimi is currently developing NIR applications that show a relationship between digestibility and silages and the digestibility of proteins in raw materials.