NEW forage analysis technology that will help farmers and nutritionists make better use of homegrown fodder through more accurate and reliable evaluation is now available in the UK . Eurofins Agro UK , an agricultural materials analysis specialist , is launching a combination of laboratory testing and SCiO , a handheld device , which will enable farmers to draw on global data index figures and benchmark values to measure forage more accurately than ever before .

Eurofins has developed the most comprehensive database of forage samples to analyse and benchmark forage . The global benchmark values and rumen character charts are being made available to farmers in the UK for the first time . “ Using Near- Infrared Spectroscopy ( NIRS ) we dry and grind forage samples before analysing them . This removes any inconsistencies in the shape and density of the sample to provide the most accurate result ,” says Daniel Robinson , Eurofins Agro UK , Managing Director . “ The properties of the forage sample are then fed into our unique

rumen character charts that show the nutritional value of the sample against a number of parameters ,” he adds .

Adjusting the TMR can be achieved more accurately and consistently by using regular testing . “ Understanding the make up of forage enables farmers and their nutritionists to judge what additional supplements may be required . Our tests show the nutritional value of forage to the rumen , which is a fundamental part of creating the correct TMR ,” explains Mr Robinson . By using the tests , farmers will receive the most accurate forage measurement to enable them to maximise profit and yield by adjusting the ration to the optimum level . “ Weighing a ration is one

thing but understanding the exact make up of that ration is a new level of precision ,” says Mr Robinson .

Data from the samples provided is analysed for dry matter content , pH levels , ME and 23 other parameters . “ By removing the moisture in the sample , we are essentially removing the ‘ fog ’ that other tests cannot see through . Drying the sample leaves only the solid content which once ground to a consistent 1mm thickness is exposed to the infrared light to provide greater detail than any other test on the market ,” explains Mr Robinson . Uniquely , Eurofins can identify and test samples using only data generated about that forage type . “ We are the only company that can test against specific forage types . This means we can identify that a sample is made up of grass or maize , or beans , and benchmark it against datasets that only include other like for like samples . The accuracy is unparalleled ,” he says .

All samples sent to Eurofins are saved into the company ’ s global database to be used for future benchmarking . The farmer receives a report that draws on

this database to offer more detailed and accurate forage insight . “ We have developed an unrivalled database for dried and ground analysis containing thousands of NIR-spectra generated samples . The number of data-points is far greater than those contained within the conventional databases used in the UK . By means of a mathematical model , based on a local calibration , we are able to derive a greater number of parameters for a wider range of forage types , raw materials and TMR ,” says Mr Robinson .

In conjunction with laboratory testing , Eurofins has also launched a new handheld testing device called SCiO . “ SciO enables farmers to test forage as often as is needed . It is best used to measure forage between lab tests to help farmers adjust to climatic changes or heating in the clamp ,” says Mr Robinson . The device is cloud based and is constantly updated with new data from Eurofins ’ central database . It costs £ 400 and carries a subscription of £ 50 per month which includes unlimited testing and an initial laboratory test to start the process .

VET , Jake Waddilove , from The Piggery Vet , explains his client operates an indoor system of 240 sows , taking them from farrow to finish , and despite hygiene levels being of the highest standard , his farm has had a history of Ileitis and PHE caused by the bacteria Lawsonia intracellularis with average disease related mortality as high as 3 %.

“ Faeces sampling and diagnostics confirmed active levels of Lawsonia intracellularis within the herd , so when the PORCILIS ® Lawsonia vaccine was launched earlier this year by MSD Animal Health UK , a division of Merck & Co ., Inc ., Kenilworth , N . J ., USA using it on-farm made perfect sense ,” says Jake .

“ To date , we ’ ve had four batches of vaccinated progeny go through the system and the results , even in this short space of time , have been significant , allowing us to see a real difference in pig performance and mortality since using the vaccination .”

Previously it was costing the farm 40p / pig to treat for Ileitis and PHE with antibiotics , explains Jake , but with the average reduction in mortality at 1.5 % which in monetary terms correlates to £ 2 / pig , this more than justified the cost of the vaccine .

“ We ’ ve also noticed that vaccinated pigs have grown more evenly and consistently through the weaning and grower stages . Finishing time has reduced by an average of five to seven days , which is a significant improvement .

“ When you also consider the saving from the reduction in time to slaughter and the feed and labour cost associated with this , as well as the increased

efficiency of the farm system due to the increased rate of pen clearance , the introduction of this vaccine has really shown its worth for this farm ,” he adds .

“ It ’ s well worth investing in this vaccine and also identifying the level of impact the disease is having on-farm . If Ileitis and PHE are thought to be a problem , consider looking at this tool to help prevent the disease from causing any further harm , whether that ’ s financially or from a health and welfare perspective ,” concludes Jake .