The rapid expansion of both fuel ethanol production generates large quantities of available co-products (distillers grain) which are used by feed producers.
On the positive side this offers a cost effective alternative to existing feed ingredients but there are also problems related to variability of the products and transportation problems. Part of the experienced product variability on the market has been blamed on the large numbers of laboratory methods applied for analysis. As a counter measure, the industry has agreed (after a study by American Feed Industry Association, AFIA) to a set of recommended reference methods.
The recommended methods from AFIA includes these dedicated solutions from FOSS:
Reliable analysis at point of transaction
As a tool for rapid at-line analysis of distillers grain quality FOSS also offer the InfraXact™ Analyzer.
A range of parameters are analyzed with in a minute, with little or no sample preparation.
- Moisture
- Protein
- Fat
- Ash
- Fiber
The majority of feed manufacturers today use a dedicated Near Infrared solution from FOSS, such as the InfraXact, for their routine inspection of incoming raw material as well as for their process and quality control.
In order not to introduce a new variability (in methodology) to the market place thus creating new trade conflicts, FOSS is promoting the same analytical solutions to the ethanol producers for their final control of distillers grain.
Using the same methodology / solution on both side of the trade results in a problem free and long-term good relation between the seller and buyer.
