Rapid measurement of reactive lysine

Using near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy, this new parameter will enable farmers, feed manufacturers and others to rapidly assess the quality and levels of the reactive lysine content in their raw materials. They can then use this information to optimise nutrition and improve profitability.

Lysine is an important amino acid that helps pigs and poultry achieve optimal growth. In order to be able to establish good predictability in terms of growth, it is essential to know the lysine levels available to the animal. Because these levels are affected by processing of raw materials, it has been difficult so far to determine the exact level of lysine available to the animal. As reactive lysine is a perfect measure of available lysine, this new quality parameter has been added to the near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy module from Trouw Nutrition.

The information can be used for a variety of quality control and storage purposes. For example, raw materials in the feed plant can be managed more efficiently and stored separately, based on quality, enabling more precise feeding. And the objective data the tool provides makes it possible to renegotiate the purchase price of raw materials, keeping costs under control.

NutriOpt NIR reactive lysine calibration lines are now available for soybean meal, rapeseed meal, sunflower meal, palm kernel meal, fish meal, and meat and bone meal.