Near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy using a portable instrument to measure the nutritive value of oilseed meals as livestock feed

Introduction Measurement of the nutritive value feedstuffs with near infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS) laboratory benchtop spectrometers is well-established. The aim this study was to examine reliability and accuracy a handheld low-cost Tellspec NIRS spectrometer for measurement oilseed meals. Methods Samples (n=142) comprising byproduct meals from processing linseed, noug seed, cotton groundnut, rapeseed, soybeans, sunflower seeds were collected farms, oil factories, wholesalers, retail shops in central Ethiopia. scanned ‘as received’ (UGr) also following drying grinding (Gr), once, twice, ten times 2x3 factorial experimental design. Laboratory analyses total nitrogen (TN), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid (ADF), lignin (ADL), vitro organic matter digestibility (IVOMD) provided reference measurements. Calibration models developed using subset 2/3 spectra validated remaining 1/3 sample spectra. Results form number scans, their interactions, all significantly affected calibration (P<0.001). most accurate calibrations Gr samples 10 times, where coefficient determination both validation sets (R 2 cal R val) ≥ 0.90 attributes. respective standard errors prediction (SEP) (g/kg DM) Gr, received’, respectively that were: TN (3.2 4.7), IVOMD (11.7 20.1), NDF (26.9 43.8), ADF (25.3 44.6), ADL (6.8 10.7). Also, SEP each attribute reduced (P<0.05) by before scanning. ratios deviation (RPD) g/kg DM 2.68, 2.30, 3.17, 3.05, 4.06 TN, IVOMD, NDF, ADF, ADL, respectively, times. Nevertheless, would often be acceptable routine field market-place under east African circumstances. Conclusion In conclusion, portable could measure important nutritional attributes cake as feeds.