The DIN, SA Research & Development Laboratory uses an advanced food and animal feed testing technology that yields results in real time. The Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (NIR) Technology is one of the most versatile and promising tools in these sectors. DIN, SA acquired this technology in 2014, having equipped the Research & Development Laboratory with an instrument that brings multiple advantages. NIR is a non-destructive technique, which means that the samples remain intact. Additionally, this technique does not require chemicals or consumables and allows for simple, fast readings and simultaneous measurement of multiple parameters.

Clients may also choose to acquire their own NIR equipment, which will be set up by the Laboratory. The equipment will be configured and calibrated according to client needs, whether in the food or animal feed sector. “Raw materials, finished product and silage tests are available to the animal feed sector. Meat and meat product tests, namely fresh meat and transformed products, are available to the food sector,” clarifies the Laboratory. DIN offers a wide range of calibrated tests for both sectors.

Support is provided to clients over the entire process, including the eventual implementation of new tests, whenever required. “The implementation of this unique in-house testing solution, which yields results in real time, contributes to improving process quality, which translates into effective savings,” explains the Laboratory. Clients may also test raw materials upon reception, such as to optimise their incorporation in animal diets and assess nutritional value. Additionally, the manufacturing process of each product may be controlled by testing the respective formulation.

If the client has already purchased a different instrument, the tests offered by the Laboratory may be adjusted such as to ensure compatibility with the client’s equipment, allowing the latter to benefit from the services provided by the Laboratory.

The scope of application of the NIR technology increases continuously, both regarding the adjustment of new parameters to client needs and the development of new parameters, for the ultimate purpose of improving product and process quality. Mycotoxin and amino acid tests represent two examples of application of this innovative technology to the livestock farming sector.

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