The current and future role of near infrared reflectance spectroscopy in animal nutrition: a review

This paper aims to present an overview of the research into and application of near infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS) in relation to animal nut rition over the last decade or so. Emphasis is placed on the developments i n the characterisation of forages, although aspects of non-forage feeds are also considered. The changing remit of animal nutrition in relation to hum an food production and the environment is placing increasing requirements o n feed characterisation to be more physiologically meaningful. How NIRS mig ht meet this challenge is discussed, as is the potential of NIRS for feed i dentification and authentication.