Analytical Term Glossary – click here to view an explanation sheet of analytical terms found on client reports.

Amino Acids

Dietary requirements for protein are in reality requirements for the amino acids obtained from a protein source. Differences in the nutritional value of proteins are extensive. However, for nonruminants, the value of proteins is primarily determined by its amino acid composition. This analysis measures the amino acid content of a feed ingredient, permitting accurate formulation of rations that fully utilize the amino acid value of a protein source.

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By-Pass Protein (RUP)

The fraction of the total crude protein in a forage or other feedstuffs that escapes or by-passes degradation by the microbes and is available for utilization in the small intestine. Also known as UIP (undegraded intake protein) or RUP (rumen undegraded protein).

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Fiber

The quantity and quality of fiber are indicators of feed value. Fiber, along with protein analyses, are major factors in determining the energy of forages. Adequate amounts of quality fiber in the right physical form are necessary to maintain normal rumen function and help avoid problems such as acidosis and low butterfat.

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IVDMD

In Vitro Dry Matter Digestibility is a biological assay using artificial rumen fermenters to determine digestion potential and energy of forages. Since the ANALAB fermentors are similar to the rumen of a dairy cow, they provide a better estimate of how a dairy cow will utilize a forage beginning in the rumen and through the large intestine.

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Lignin

A virtually indigestibile component of plant cell walls or neutral detergent fiber (NDF). The higher the lignin content of forages the lower the digestibility potential.

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Minerals

Minerals must be fed at levels that will support animal health. Inadequate levels and ratios may result in lost production. The optimum mineral ratio is necessary for proper utilization of all nutrients.

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Moisture

Moisture of all feedstuffs must be known to determine dry matter because all rations, feed intake and mixer capacity are based on dry matter.

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Mycotoxins

Mycotoxins are poisons or toxins produced by actively growing molds. Toxins can be a hidden problem, since the absence or presence of molds in feedstuffs is not necessarily a good indication that mycotoxins are present. ANALAB recommends testing feedstuffs for mycotoxins when herd health and performance problems such as low milk production, inconsistent feed intakes, disease, metabolic and reproduction setbacks occur.

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NDF Digestibility (NDFd)

Cell wall digestibility is an indication of fiber digestibility for the health of the rumen. A higher NDFd results in a healthier rumen.

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Nitrates

Excessive nitrate-nitrogen can be toxic. Chronic and sublethal levels may cause depressed appetites, poor reproduction and low milk production.

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Protein Fractions

Too much protein adds stress to the cow and wastes money. Too little results in lost production. Excessive heat damaged protein in forages is an indication of lower quality protein. Incorrect amounts and types of protein, such as rumen soluble, degradable and by-pass proteins in a ration will limit production.

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Starch

The starch analysis provides the means to estimate rumen fermentation and energy. Too much starch can result in fat cows, milk fat depression and acidosis. Too little starch can cause thin cows, lost production, low peaks, poor persistency, breeding problems and results in poor rumen activity.

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Sugars (Individual)

5-Carbon sugars are acid extracted sugars from mainly the hemi-cellulose fiber fraction in NDF. An optimal level of 5-Carbon sugars in dairy cattle diets helps to optimize rumen fermentation, milk production, and components.

6-Carbon sugars are free water soluble mono or disaccharides. The main ones include glucose and fructose monosaccharides and sucrose and lactose disaccharides. Feeding an optimal level of 6-carbon sugars and starch in dairy cattle diets are important to optimize rumen microbial protein synthesis and supply rumen soluble energy to synchronize with rumen soluble protein. This helps improve rumen energy/protein balance, rumen fermentation, milk production and components.

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