AFIA - Laboratory Methods Manual - Australian Fodder Industry ...

property of AFIA. Sub-samples of the hays have been made available, together with this manual, to
fodder testing laboratories affiliated with AFIA, with a specific objective of assisting laboratories to
standardise their estimation of digestibility, which is a ‘property’ of fodder rather than a
‘constituent’.
The next important step in obtaining uniformity in fodder testing has been the introduction of ‘ring
tests’. This involves sending carefully prepared sub-samples of six fodder samples to the
participating laboratories on a regular basis, in order to determine the agreement between
laboratories. This ‘ring test’ procedure has been and will continue to be a vital mechanism to aid
quality control in laboratory testing of fodder.
Additional tests to those agreed as important to the industry in 1995 have now emerged, especially
in relation to fodder exports and silage. These include acid and neutral detergent fibre (ADF and
NDF), measures of total or water-soluble carbohydrates, ammonia nitrogen and pH of silage. Shear
energy has been added to this latest edition of the Manual.
There are alternative methods possible for determining several forage quality values using more
convenient equipment. The QEC decided that, where there were several alternative methods for
analysing one fodder constituent, one would be referred to as the “Reference” method and given the
symbol “R”, whereas the others would be designated as “Approved” methods, given the symbol
“A” followed by (a..n), when there is more than one approved method. A requirement for
laboratories that use “Approved” methods is for them to demonstrate that they can produce the
same results obtained using the “Reference” method.
Draft Methods are given the symbol “D” and may be added to this manual following consideration
at the annual August meeting of the QEC. People wishing to propose new methods need to send
them to the AFIA EO, Colin Peace (colin@afia.org.au), prior to July 1. Once circulated to QEC
members and discussed or amended at the QEC meeting in August, proposals may become a draft
method. At the subsequent August QEC meeting, a vote can be taken on any Draft Method to
change it to Approved Method status, remove it from this manual, or retain it as a Draft Method.
Proposed changes to any existing methods should be provided to Colin Peace in time for circulation
to QEC members one month before the August meeting. As this manual is a “living” document,
AFIA have decided to provide it in electronic format.
Clearly, the whole issue of fodder testing methodology must be an ongoing process, as new research
developments occur and new industry priorities emerge. Laboratories have to respond to these
factors, but for the industry to benefit as a whole, a coordinated approach is essential. This requires
the continuing dedication, cooperation, understanding and good-will of all parties, irrespective of
commercial competition between laboratories and other industry participants.
It is hoped that this manual will be a valuable resource for fodder testing laboratories and others
with an interest in this field. Many people and organisations have contributed to the effort of
producing the manual, but particular thanks are due to G&M Murphy Consulting Services, John L
Black Consulting, Peter Flinn of Kelspec Services, Alan Kaiser of NSW Department of Primary
Industries and RIRDC for its ongoing support. This project was funded from industry revenue that
is matched by funds provided by the Federal Government via RIRDC.
Acknowledgments have been included in the manual where methods have been adopted or
modified from those listed in the “Forage Analyses Procedures” of the US National Forage Testing
Association (1993). The note on the use of anthrone methods for carbohydrate analysis was provided
by Mr A.B. Blakeney of Cereal Solutions.
The Title of the Manual was changed for Edition (3) to ‘AFIA – Laboratory Methods Manual’ from
‘Fodder Analyst’s Methods Manual’.
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