Foss introduces its ProFoss near infrared process analysers at WPC 2012
Published:August 28, 2012
Source :E. Vasconcelos and Dr. R. Gauer (Foss Brazil)
FOSS was present at the World's Poultry Congress 2012 (WPC) held at the Convention Center of the City of Salvador, Bahia, Brazil, where a working demonstration of the ProFoss feed analyser was on show.
The ProFoss™ uses near infrared (NIR) analytical technology to continuously test feed ingredients passing by on a conveyor. It measures multiple samples and quality parameters such as amino acids, moisture, protein and fat every few seconds. Results are displayed on a computer screen to give operators a complete and live view of feed energy quality.
Housed in a robust cabinet, ProFoss process analysers are mounted at a relevant location in the production, where they feed back measurements to a computer display. An intuitive user interface allows anyone in production to monitor levels for key measurement parameters, permitting timely adjustments to control mechanisms.
Instrument standardisation and stability promotes fast and easy calibration development as well as trouble free calibration transfer across analyser units.
The FOSS team was at its booth discussing with visitors how the system could improve profit and conversion-rates and showing how the versatile technology can be used to make an auto feed formulation on the fly. Because the ProFoss measures every few seconds, it allows users to ‘mix and match’ ingredients and adjust energy formulas according to the availability of raw material. In comparison, analysis with benchtop NIR analysers in a laboratory is also highly effective, but is more static because samples are taken manually and this is typically performed once an hour.
The ability of feed producers to make immediate adjustments is particularly relevant in line with increasing volatility in the supply of feed ingredients. Even seemingly minor adjustments can lead to significantly increased yield and revenue through a better use of costly raw materials for animal feed and for maximizing the conversion-rate.
Watch Industry Sales Manager at Foss, Jayson Ross Conway´s video at WPC 2012:
It is certainly true that in line analysis can identify variations which both benefit and disadvantage the production cost profile initiially. But it is also true that variability in production can result in dis-satisfaction for the end user regardless of whether cost of production is influenced positively or negatively and therefore result in customers having reduced confidence in product and supplier. ProFOSS can help producer be confident that he is making best possible use of his feed ingredients within a given formulation and allow producer to claim greater consistency of supply, this then has a value at the point of sale. Your local FOSS agent or office would be happy to look at potential for profit improvement through control of FEED production with you based on the ProFOSS model.
The variability of all ingredients that compounds the diet , impact directly on :
1- Cost of the diet
2- Zootecnic results
In the report attached i talk about this , but i can comment that always when occurs the ingredients variability , and the nutritionist dont know , depedenting if was Metabolizable Energy or protein plus aminoacids , the feed conversion would be incresead , or and the protein excess can be substrate to bacteria grown , and the Carcass yield worst. In other side when we detecting the nutritional variabiltiy , and reformulating , can happen 2 cases: 1- by multiblend reformulating almost always the cost is better. 2- when the reformulating cost is more expense , improving feed conversion , and consequently reducing the total cost ( - US$ 7,00 /ton ) (attached).
This is just one side of the story. MInor adjustments can also lead to the the opposite, namely decreased revenues since actual nutritional measurements might be lower than the formulated values. Such an adjustment will increase costs aiming to maintain the nutritional performance of the diets. So please tell the complete story and not only the bright side of real time measurements.
