Active CRIS Projects:

3655-31000-018-01S Richard Muck

RAPID ANALYSIS OF WET FORAGES TO IMPROVE CALIBRATIONS OF DRY MATTER INTAKE AND DIGESTION KINETICS

Objectives: 1) Identify and collect biological measurements for developing new, rapid analytical methods to predict animal performance in dairy cattle. 2) Develop protocols for collecting animal performance & bioavailability data and relating that data to techniques for rapidly estimating biological values of forages. 3) Identify spectral properties related to lignin & cross linked cell wall structures. 4) Develop calibrations of chemical & physical forage attributes. 5) Evaluate and refine NIRS calibration methods.

Approach: Available in vivo data will be analyzed to determine NIRS predictions for intake and digestion. We will develop standardized protocols to conduct in vivo research with lactating dairy cattle to develop rapid methods of analysis. DFRC scientists will collaborate to determine if spectral properties associated with lignin and cross-linked structures in cell walls can be used to predict unique forage quality traits of forage crops. Calibrations for new chemical (pectin in alfalfa, RUP of byproduct supplements and amino acid composition of intestinal digesta) and physical (degree of maceration of intensely conditioned alfalfa) attributes of forages and feeds will be developed.