Updating grain apparent metabolisable energy (AME) database

Energy is the most expensive component of diet for laying hens. With feed accounting for approximately 65% of the cost of production, accurate estimation of energy content of ingredients, in particular grains, is vital for nutritionists to ensure that feed formulation meets the breed specifications, performance, and least cost objectives in egg production. Direct measurement of AME for each grain sample is not commercially feasible, however a reliable near infrared (NIR) calibration can provide a rapid AME prediction for individual grain samples. The overarching objective of this project is to facilitate rapid, accurate near real-time prediction of AME content of cereal grains for laying hens, thus saving the egg industry cost associated with feed formulation. Improved NIR calibration will materialise in immediate benefits for the egg industry.