Eurofins Agro Ireland - Forage Analysis

Eurofins Agro supports dairy, pig, beef and poultry farmers through the provision of analytical testing for forages, hay and other feedstuffs.  This service enables livestock farmers to optimise animal rations, improving yield whilst keeping costs low. 

We perform analytical testing of a range of forages and feeds using Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS).  NIRS (or NIR) is a method that uses the near-infrared region of the electromagnetic spectrum (from 800 to 2500 nm) to provide a breakdown of the nutritional composition of roughage, raw materials and total mixed ration (TMR). 

For more information on our forage analysis service.  Please read on. 

How will you analyse my silage?

Historically, Irish silage samples have been analysed by performing NIRS on a fresh (or wet) silage sample.  Whilst this approach offers rapid turnaround, its accuracy is compromised.  The reason for this is two-fold. First, the moisture within a wet sample acts like a "fog", making it difficult to derive accurate results.  Secondly, the "lumpy" nature of the sample means results are often not representative of the sample. 

To overcome this issue, Eurofins Agro is pleased to offer an alternative approach to our.  We dry and grind our samples to a homogeneous, powder-like state before performing NIRS.  Removing the moisture, and analysing a homogeneous sample yields much more precise results.

What information will you provide on my silage?

There is some variation by material type.  However, in general, our packages include Dry Matter, ME, D Value, Crude Ash, Digestibility Organic Matter, Crude Protein, Crude Fibre, Crude Fat, Sugar, Starch (not available for grass silage), NDF, pH, Acetic Acid, Lactic Acid, Butyric Acid (grass silage only) Ammonia Fraction, NDF Digestibility, ADF, ADL.

In addition to the above, we are also able to provide analysis of minerals and trace elements (B, Ca, Cl, Co, Cu, I, Fe, Mg, Mn, Mo, P, K, Se, Na, S, Zn, DCAB). 

How should I submit my silage samples?

The simplest way to submit your silage samples is online (please see link above).  Once you have completed our online ordering process, simply post your sample(s) to the address below. 

Eurfoins Agro Ireland
C/O EFTI Dublin Service Centre
Unit D13, North City Business Park
North Road
Finglas
Dublin 11
Ireland

Ensure you clearly mark your sample with a your reference that you will remember (e.g. 1st Cut 2018), and enclose a copy of your online order confirmation.  We'll take care of the rest.  Results are sent by email within 4 working days of sample re