This episode features Dr. Glen Broderick and Dr. Mary Beth Hall. They were speakers at the ADSA 2025 Ruminant Symposium: Anomalies in Analyzed Nutrient Composition of Feedstuffs.
Anomalies in Analyzed Nutrient Composition of Feedstuffs
Timestamps:
Dr. Broderick’s presentation was titled “Protein analysis methodology.” The high points of his talk include recommendations for nitrogen analysis in feeds. He discusses potential improvements in determining protein degradability and undegradability in the rumen. He also covers near-infrared spectroscopy (NIR) analysis of amino acid composition of feedstuffs. (7:57)
Dr. Hall’s presentation was titled “Success and continuing challenges in analyzing nonfiber carbohydrates.” She gives some history of the analysis of non-fiber carbohydrates. Her talk includes starch assays and explains how water-soluble carbohydrates are not solely composed of sugars. She also explains how microbes make decisions on which substrates to ferment and which to store for later. (12:47)
The panelists talk about challenges in obtaining real-time nutrient analyses to make ration changes. They recommend using rolling averages rather than a single sample. They also recommend using milk urea nitrogen as a way to evaluate if something is not quite right with a ration. (21:17)
Dr. Broderick notes he recommends that scientists no longer use the Kjeldahl method of nitrogen analysis. He suggests we look for new or alternative methodology other than in situ digestibility to determine protein degradability. He also recommends that NIR analysis of amino acids be used to make ration decisions when calibrated for the feedstuff under consideration. (27:10)
Dr. Hall recommends using the appropriate carbohydrate standard when measuring water-soluble carbohydrates: sucrose for fresh forages and fructose for cool-season grasses with high fructan content. She also notes that some feeds, like bakery waste or amylase-modified grain, contain soluble starch. This shows up in both the starch category and the water-soluble category in a feed analysis, essentially double-dipping. Lastly, she suggests that nonfiber carbohydrates remain a bit of a nutritional black box. We continue to learn more with improved technology. (29:36)
Panelists share their take-home thoughts. (43:31)
Conclusion
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