Potential of Near Infrared Reflectance Spectroscopy for Analysis of Silage Composition

A wide range of ensiling conditions were simulated to test the capability of near infrared reflectance spectroscopy to determine the chemical composition of undried silages. Fifty-seven different grass and legume silages were produced by adding varying amounts of water, sucrose, and .formate to hays differing in species, maturity, cutting, or location. The material was ensiled for 21 d in airtight, evacuated plastic bags prior to analysis. Standard errors of calibration (as received basis) and coefficients of determination were, respectively: DM (1.80, .98); total N (.070, .98); insoluble N (.035, .98); acetate (.064, .78); butyrate (.078, .70); lactate (.328, .82); pH (.208, .77). The results indicate that near infrared reflectance has the potential to measure true DM, total N, and insoluble N in ensiled forages.