Opportunities and challenges in implementing NIR grain calibrations for the feedlot Industry

A major objective of the "Premium Grains for Livestock Program" is to develop rapid tests, suitable for the site of grain collection and/or use, to measure the nutritional value of grains so that they can be priced in accordance with their suitability as an animal feed. The feedlot industry, as a major user of grain, is well aware of the relationship between the quality of a feedlot ration and animal performance, but routine grain testing has frequently been limited to constituents such as moisture and protein.