Can NDF digestibility be determined using near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS)?
Yes, the NDF digestibility equations (NIRS) developed for legume/grass silage and hay can provide reliable estimates of NDF digestibility. Using NIRS to predict NDF digestibility of corn silage has proved more challenging but acceptable equations for corn silage NDF digestibility are now available. Using NIRS to routinely screen for variation in forage NDF digestibility combined with occasionally checking suspect forages with wet chemistry in vitro NDF digestibility procedures is prudent.
