Synchronized technology & services inform precise feed formulations

Smart digital tools and Artificial Intelligence can also help farmers better understand how animal performance is linked to nutrition, suggesting they make the appropriate adjustments designed to maximize efficiency of their herd.

Feed manufacturers and livestock producers are challenged to balance nutritional quality and feed costs, especially in an increasingly competitive market. Technology can detect variations in raw materials that may affect feed efficiency and performance, but data is only the beginning. Scientific knowledge of each species’ needs is necessary to properly inform analysis and guide recommendations to optimize formulations. A comprehensive package of services adds value for feed manufacturers by providing quality control and formulation advice that can increase profitability. Smart digital tools and Artificial Intelligence can also help farmers better understand how animal performance is linked to nutrition, suggesting they make the appropriate adjustments designed to maximize efficiency of their herd.

UNDERSTAND THE RAW MATERIALS
The quality, availability and price of raw materials vary greatly depending on the source, such as region, season, growing conditions and more. Each of these factors can impact the nutrient profile of feed crops like wheat, corn, barley, soy and canola, causing changes in protein, starch and fiber content. Feed quality and digestibility can also fluctuate with inconsistencies in production processes, including ingredient quantities and mixing that differ from the specifications of the formula.

Correcting for these dynamic variables begins with analysis. Support from ADM’s global laboratory network includes chemical testing and data management for deeper interpretation, while near infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIR) technology provides on-site rapid analysis. These quality control measures help formulators manage variability from raw materials to complete feed.

RECALCULATE THE FORMULATION MATRIX
The next step is to integrate the precise nutritional value of individual ingredients into the formulation matrix. ADM’s Equadvice web application predicts nutritional values for over 420 raw materials from around the world. Based on trials performed in our research farms, those prediction models are frequently updated to reflect changes in ingredient quality. Equadvice is compatible with multiple feed formulation platforms.

For example, the protein levels of soybean meal can range from 42% to 48%. With this information, Equadvice will recalculate a detailed formulation matrix for more than 100 criteria, calibrating from a value of 44% to a more exact value of 46%. Fine-tuning the formulation to more accurately match nutrient supply to the specific nutritional needs of livestock species is a precision feeding strategy with benefits for the animal, the environment and the producer.

MAXIMIZE EFFICIENCY AND PROFITABILITY
Applying ADM’s formulation services approach of linking data analysis to the formulation process allows feed manufacturers to optimize feed in terms of price, raw material quality and availability. Quality criteria and nutritional expectations help identify the source of performance variations, presenting an opportunity to adjust raw materials in the formulation matrix. Customized ADM services help optimize feed formulations for ruminants, poultry, swine and aquaculture, giving feed millers peace of mind that each ingredient has been fully analyzed and combined into the formula in a way that stabilizes feed performance, improves feed efficiency and enhances cost effectiveness.

TAILOR SOLUTIONS ON THE FARM
Feed optimization can also occur at the farm, where a nutritionist leverages digital applications to tailor feed rations and meet the precise needs of a particular herd. For instance, ADM’s Aliplan ration balancing software is used to calculate rations for all ruminants, incorporating a farm’s unique data on forage, additives and premix materials. Like for compound feed, the nutritional value of forages can vary, and it is a critical factor to control in ruminant feed rations.

Aliplan helps optimize nutrient supply and energy intake of the ration in relation with the cattle’s requirements to achieve set objectives. The balance is based on in-depth forage and ingredient analysis, supporting animals to reach their full genetic potential. ADM continuously improves the software and its features to better serve farmers’ current and future needs for economic and environmental success.

ADM’s ruminant services pack is completed with Dairy Exper, a digital solution that provides online dashboards to analyze technical and economical performances of individual cows or a whole herd.

UNITING SYSTEMS AND SERVICES
From the feed mill to the farm, ADM provides a comprehensive approach for maximizing feed efficiency and performance, supporting profitability for feed manufacturers and livestock producers. In both cases, animal nutrition strategies are backed by science, including high-quality data, real-time insights, customized recommendations and innovative nutrition solutions. Preparing precise feed formulations requires advanced technologies, but it’s the full-service program management that gives ADM’s customers a competitive advantage.

About Julien Mailliu
Julien MAILLIU is the Digital Applications portfolio manager for ADM Animal Nutrition and has a strong expertise in innovative project management and smart farming. Before joining ADM four years ago, he spent 10 years in the agriculture sector with digital marketing responsibilities for a leader group specialized in plant protection and seed industry.

About Guillaume Olivier
Guillaume OLIVIER is the head of Global Ruminant Marketing for ADM Animal Nutrition. He has been working for the company for 23 years and has a strong experience in formulation for ruminants at the international level. Previously, he managed the ADM technical and services department in Mexico for all species, including formulation, labs services, digital applications and on field expertise. He holds a high degree in agriculture from Lasalle University in France.