Assay by near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS)

Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is a rapid, non-destructive, and solvent-free analytical method widely used for industrial quality control in animal nutrition. This technique allows for the simultaneous quantification of several physicochemical parameters from a single spectral measurement, offering significant time savings compared to conventional analytical methods.

Thanks to the use of suitable calibration models, NIRS spectroscopy is an essential control tool for animal feed manufacturers, raw material producers and players in the animal nutrition sector wishing to secure the quality and consistency of their products.

Principle of near-infrared spectroscopy

Near-infrared spectroscopy relies on the absorption of infrared radiation by certain chemical bonds present in matter, notably C–H, O–H and N–H bonds. When the sample is exposed to a NIR beam, it absorbs specific wavelengths depending on its chemical and physical composition.

The resulting spectrum represents an overall signature of the sample. Using chemometric methods, this spectral signal is correlated with analytical values ​​obtained by reference methods. NIRS analysis therefore relies on a predictive approach , dependent on the quality and relevance of the calibration models used.

Calibration models and reference methods

The analytical performance of NIRS spectroscopy relies on the existence of robust calibration models, built from representative samples analyzed by reference analytical methods. These methods typically include wet chemistry analyses, standardized nutritional assays, or chromatographic techniques.

Each calibration model is specific to a given matrix and parameter. It must be regularly checked, updated, and validated to ensure the reliability of the results. Before any implementation, the YesWeLab scientific team verifies the suitability of the available models for the client's matrices and analytical objectives.

Measured parameters

Depending on the calibration models available, NIRS assay allows for the quantification of various parameters of interest in animal nutrition, such as dry matter, protein, fat, fiber, ash, or other nutritional constituents.

NIRS spectroscopy is particularly suited to multi-parameter analyses, allowing for a rapid and comprehensive view of product composition from a single measurement.

Matrices involved

Near-infrared spectroscopy analysis is applicable to a wide range of matrices used in animal nutrition. It includes agricultural raw materials, cereals, forages, oilseed cakes, co-products, compound feeds, premixes, and certain processed products.

Analyses can be performed on ground or unground solid samples, as well as on certain liquid matrices, subject to the availability of suitable calibration models.

Industrial applications

NIRS spectroscopy is a central tool in industrial quality control. It is used for incoming inspection of raw materials, monitoring the consistency of formulations, in-process control, and batch release.

In animal nutrition, this method allows for adjusting formulations based on the actual quality of raw materials, optimizing feed rations, and ensuring the nutritional value of finished products. It also contributes to the rapid detection of compositional deviations, process deviations, or non-conformities.

Advantages and limitations of the method

The main advantages of NIRS spectroscopy lie in its rapid analysis, non-destructive nature, solvent-free operation, and low cost per sample once models are established. It allows for the analysis of a large number of samples in a short time, making it a particularly effective operational management tool.

However, the reliability of the results depends heavily on the quality of the calibrations and their suitability to the matrices analyzed. NIRS does not replace reference methods but is part of a complementary approach, combining speed and analytical validation.

Area concerned

This service is primarily aimed at animal nutrition stakeholders, including animal feed manufacturers, agricultural cooperatives, raw material producers, as well as industrial companies wishing to strengthen their quality control and analytical responsiveness.

YesWeLab Expertise

YesWeLab relies on a rigorously selected network of partner laboratories with recognized expertise in near-infrared spectroscopy and chemometrics. The majority of these partner laboratories are certified and/or accredited according to recognized standards such as ISO 17025 and COFRAC.

Each request is analyzed by the YesWeLab scientific team in order to assess the relevance of NIRS spectroscopy for the matrices concerned, to verify the availability of suitable calibration models and to guarantee usable results in an industrial and quality framework.

Thanks to its digital platform, YesWeLab enables centralized analysis management, simplified sample tracking, and fast, secure access to analytical results. Since 2020, numerous players in the animal nutrition industry have trusted YesWeLab for their physicochemical and quality control analyses.

Other analyses from the YesWeLab catalogue

Near-infrared spectroscopy analysis can be complemented by other analyses from the YesWeLab catalogue to secure and validate the results obtained by predictive methods.

The determination of protein , fat , fiber and ash by conventional methods is an essential complement for regulatory and contractual controls.

Chromatographic analyses ( HPLC, GC) allow for a finer characterization of certain specific compounds not accessible by NIRS spectroscopy.

Finally, the comprehensive nutritional analyses offered by YesWeLab provide a global approach combining rapid and reference methods for reliable and robust quality control.

For any quote request or to discuss your specific needs in near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) analysis, contact the YesWeLab team now.