New technology ensures the right quantity and quality of feed for cows

This new technology replaces expensive and time-consuming analyses of feed nutrition for cows.

It helps dairy farmers optimise feeding to ensure the best milk production possible.

By knowing the exact nutritional content of silage and grass, farmers can adjust both the quantity and quality of the feed. 

From research to barn

Nofima researcher Erik Tengstrand is developing prediction models that make measurement methods both user-friendly and reliable.

Creating precise and robust calibrations requires knowledge of raw materials and their nutritional composition, as well as expertise in statistics and data modelling. 

Nofima's researchers have honed this competence over several decades, benefiting an ever-expanding range of fields within agriculture and the food industry.

Precision feeding for increased profitability

TINE, the largest Norwegian dairy product cooperative, is investing in this technology to assist dairy farmers, collaborating with Tengstrand. 

Together, they are developing calibrations that provide rapid and dependable results for adjusting feed regimens.

“Farmers can use silage analysis results to create feeding plans based on their available feed stocks. These analyses are typically conducted from September to April, ensuring efficient feed utilisation,” explains Tilmann Hettasch, a specialist advisor at Norwegian Milk Raw Material (TINE).

The traditional analysis method costs approximately 90 USD per sample and takes one to two weeks to yield results. 

The new method and transport logistics via milk tankers aim for a price of around 18 USD with results available within a couple of days.

Perfect timing for harvesting

“Grass nutrient content varies throughout the year. Our predictions aim to help farmers identify optimal nutrient levels, enabling them to harvest at peak quality,” says Erik Tengstrand.

However, seasonal variations are not the only factors affecting fresh grass. 

Pastures and meadows can contain various plant species. Additionally, weather, soil, and sunlight conditions all play a role.

Consequently, there are countless variations in the nutritional composition of fresh grass. Researchers must consider all these factors when building their calibrations. 

The goal is to provide reliable information that helps farmers optimise feeding and milk production year-round.

Advanced colour analysis

Nofima uses spectroscopy - a highly sophisticated colour analysis - to analyse cow feed. The method examines thousands of colours, many of which are beyond what the human eye can percieve. 

“Different colours indicate various properties, but humans can't discern these. This is where spectroscopic methods come in. Humans can see wavelengths up to 700 nanometres, so we can't see the colours of water, protein, carbohydrates, and fat," Tengstrand explains. 

He adds that these substances are measurable at 1,400 nanometres. By analysing spectroscopic data, researchers can differentiate between these substances and calibrate the equipment to identify what's what.

Calibration not only helps distinguish colours with different properties but also identifies what these colours represent. A single colour can indicate various characteristics, which calibrations must also account for. 

For example: You can tell a green banana is unripe if it's green, but not all green things are unripe. A green car isn't green because it's unripe.

The aim is to provide reliable information that helps farmers optimise feeding and milk production throughout the year.

“The technology and models we're developing can streamline both feed and milk production, give farmers better control over their resources, and potentially increase profitability in a challenging industry,” concludes Erik Tengstrand.

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Read the Norwegian version of this article on forskning.no

This content is paid for and presented by Nofima The Norwegian Institute of Food, Fisheries and Aquaculture Research

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