“Animal Feed & Fodder” analyses are as follows: - analyses of maize fodder - characterisation and testing of batches of grain maize used for force-feeding of ducks and geese - chemical quantification of constituents and calculation of energy values.
Silage Maize
For silage maize, the different components can be determined by chemical means, but for reasons of time and cost, the close-range infrared technique is widely used; the technique is based on equations with excellent predictive value.
Data on the energy value and composition of the entire maize plant are needed to assess the feed value of rations fed to cattle. The energy value and digestibility of the organic matter, i.e. the principal element, can be estimated using standardised reproducible laboratory methods.
Adopting Good Habits The inclusion of energy value as a factor when registering new varieties listed as silage maize has meant that more and more farmers and groups have been using this new analytical test. While the analysis is obviously useful for silage maize, it has to be developed rationally and a few key procedures need to be learnt. Samples must be from green maize taken from the chopper before the silo is formed, for once the fermentation process begins the results can be quite substantially skewed.
“Home Solutions “ The analytical technique has proved so popular that the GERM-Services laboratory has devised “home solutions" both easy to use and methodologically reliable. A kit containing everything needed for sampling, complete with a guide on how to take the sample, is sent out to each cattle farmer. It gives simple and accurate explanations of the different stages of quality sampling. The sample is placed in a pack ready for transportation to the GERM-Services laboratory within 24 hours. The analysis is done by the infrared method. Facilities are also available for sending large numbers of samples.
Results within 10 days The results of the analysis are forwarded within 10 days and include reference values averaged over thousands of samples. This gives the cattle farmer an initial qualitative assessment, with objective elements needed to workout how to complement maize fodder. Statistical processing of results is done for organisations taking part in the initiative (e.g. Contrôle Laitier dairy inspection, EDE local cattle farming group, seed producers and cooperatives).
Analysis for Force-Feeding
The quality of the grain maize used for force-feeding is determined by physical, chemical and health parameters, plus technological criteria. The work is done jointly with ADAESO, the experimental force-feeding centre. This has been used to validate the use of markers and to monitor observations and problems reported by users.
Force-Feeding Quality Diagnosis Maize is an essential part of the feed used for force-feeding and has a direct effect on the results achieved. Depending on the variety chosen and the way the ration is prepared, the most efficient production systems can gain an additional 50 grams of duck liver weight for foie gras. Accurate identification of the maize used is essential for optimal management of inputs. AGPM-SERVICES can provide an accurate diagnosis of the quality of a farmer’s maize by conducting targeted analyses.
Diagnosis focuses on 5 criteria:
1 – Moisture content Accurate measurement of the water content is needed as a 6% difference in dry content can produce a 50 gram difference in foie gras.
2 – Simplified Commercial Analysis The simplified commercial analysis provides the proportion of foreign bodies, impurities and damaged kernels (broken kernels, kernel impurities, other impurities, germinated kernels). The analysis is an objective indicator of problems occurring during growing, harvesting, drying and storage.
3 – Chemical Analysis The composition of maize varies depending on where the plant comes from. The analysis of the chemical components provides information on the end-use value of the maize; e.g. a difference of 45 grams of starch per kilogram of dry matter will produce a difference of 40 grams in foie gras for the same quantity of dry matter ingested.
4 - Calibration of Whole Kernels This shows the proportion of kernels classified according to size. The ratio of starch to total nitrogenous constituents, with more starch found in larger kernels, produces better results.
5 – Particle Size Distribution in Ground Feed This shows the proportion of particles according to size. The size produced with 2.5mm grinding screens produces greater feed efficiency for the quantity of maize administered (+40g foie gras).
Other analyses can be added to this diagnosis, e.g. the quality of drying (Promatest) and the health status of the maize (e.g. detecting zearalenon and fumonosin).
Silage Maize
