ISSUE FOCUS FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE April 2025 53 upon the resources readily available to them and balance those options with the degree of accuracy deemed appropriate for their situation. To that end, there are several common and practical methods available for poultry nutritionists to characterize ingredients: Book Values: Accepting generic reference values available in a variety of published materials. This does not require current ingredient sampling. Laboratory Analysis: Using traditional analytical methods to quantify the proximate composition (moisture, ash, crude protein, crude fat, crude fiber) and mineral content of current ingredient samples. Nutrient Calculations: Applying equations dependent upon the results from laboratory analyses of current samples to estimate the nutrient and/or energy levels of ingredients. Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (NIR): Instrumentation providing analysis of sample scans within the near-infrared region of the electromagnetic spectrum. This technology is valued for its speed and critical ability to estimate digestible amino acid and energy levels for ingredients in addition to their proximate composition. It is important to note that NIR, as a secondary analytical technique, relies upon traditional laboratory analytical methods to generate the reference values required for robust and reliable calibration equations. Each of these techniques can contribute to a more precise understanding of ingredient composition, helping nutritionists formulate more accurate diets that optimize bird health, performance, and profitability. The development, availability, and full-scale implementation of other emerging technologies shows promise for improving the timeliness, precision, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness of poultry nutrition, benefiting both producers and the industry as a whole. 2. ALTERNATIVE INGREDIENTS Ingredients that are not customary to a particular locale may be considered as alternative, unconventional, or novel. Such ingredients may offer cost-effective benefits for poultry feeding programs. However, incorporating unconventional ingredients
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