Analytical data for evaluation of organic feedstuffs in monogaster nutrition: main ingredients, amino acids and vitamins

In the near future, organic farmers should feed all of their animals with 100 % organically produced feedstuffs. Consequently, the relevance of the protein supply from domestic feedstuffs for monogastric animals, like poultry and swine, is going to be further increased.

Background and Objective

Knowledge of the contents of valuable ingredients, in particular the specific contents of essential amino acids, in different feed batches would improve ration formulation in organic farming. The precaecal digestibility of the crude protein and the amino acids is also of interest in monogastric animal feeding. Moreover, the supply of vitamins must meet the needs of the animals. Therefore, it is important to evaluate the native vitamin contents in organic feedstuffs. Unfortunately, they are not yet properly considered and there are no current table values for vitamin contents in organic feedstuffs.

The aim of our project was therefore to quickly determine the content of selected ingredients in locally produced organic feedstuffs in order to have knowledge of the feed value immediately after harvesting and before ration formulation. These values can then be used to optimise feed rations. Furthermore, we aimed to develop an in vitro method to quickly determine the precaecal digestibility of crude protein and amino acids for broilers in the laboratory. Another aim of the project was to create a database of the native contents of the B-vitamins thiamine and riboflavin in organic feedstuffs.

To gain analysis results quickly and cheaply, near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) was the method of choice. We wanted to create calibrations for selected ingredients in grain legumes (peas, field beans, blue lupins) and cereal grains (wheat, barley, rye, triticale, oats). The analysis data of all components can be used to optimise rations for all monogastric animals.

Approach

Harvest samples of the most important domestic feedstuffs (grain legumes and cereals) were collected from variety trials of the chambers of agriculture, the national research institutes at different locations in Germany, and at the Institute of Organic Farming in Trenthorst. We analysed these samples with classical methods and recorded NIR spectra. The crude nutrients were analysed according to the methods of the VDLUFA. HPLC was used for the determination of amino acids and vitamins. The NIR spectra were taken in the range of 1000 to 2500 nm. Two thirds of each of the samples served for the calibration, one third for the validation of methods. Estimates were calculated for each crude nutrient, each amino acid, and each vitamin. We assessed the quality of the calibration on the basis of statistical standards to evaluate the accuracy of the estimates.

Results

Stable NIRS calibrations (56 in total) for crude nutrients (15) and amino acids (41) that are of interest in diet formulation were developed. These calibrations enable a quick and cost-effective analysis.

Strong variations of the contents of all tested ingredients and of the in vitro digestibility of crude protein and amino acids in cereals and grain legumes were observed. These variations can be a result of differences between varieties and of environmental influences during crop cultivation. The study confirmed that differences between batches of a feedstuff strongly influence the composition of the diet. Especially when few components are used, it is necessary to know their composition. Since fluctuations in the crude nutrient and amino acid composition must be taken into account when designing the ration, it is recommended to analyse the crude nutrient composition of each batch of a feedstuff. Thus, the use of table values cannot be recommended. However, NIRS is a valuable tool for predicting the content of many ingredients.

The in vitro method proved promising for estimating the precaecal crude protein and amino acid digestibility. However, further combined in vitro and in vivo studies are necessary to be able to make relevant statements for different feedstuffs.

Thünen-Contact

• Aulrich, Karen Institute of Organic Farming

Involved Thünen-Partners

• Böhm, Herwart Institute of Organic Farming
• Witten, Stephanie Institute of Organic Farming

Funding Body

• Federal Ministry of Food und Agriculture (BMEL)
  (national, öffentlich)

Duration

3.2012 - 3.2019

More Information

Projekt type:
Project funding number: 11OE054
Funding program: Bundesprogramm Ökologischer Landbau und andere Formen nachhaltiger Landwirtschaft (BÖLN)
Project status: finished

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