Alltech IFM®: Feed Digestibility Testing
Improve dairy herd performance with a quick in vitro test
Troubleshoot ration problems quickly
Improve efficiency and reduce carbon footprint
See performance gains backed by in vitro data
Don't let energy losses and feed waste negatively impact your cattle operation.
Alltech IFM® is an in vitro fermentation model for dairy cow and beef cattle rations that simulates rumen fermentation and allows producers to receive a customized report assessing a ration’s digestibility and potential for optimal rumen function. This nutritional tool allows you to screen your total mixed rations quickly and easily so you can more confidently make ration improvements.
Traditional nutritional models alone do not provide a complete evaluation of your ration’s true nutrient usability. Single-point evaluations do not account for nutrient interactions in dairy or beef rations. This results in discrepancies between the predicted and observed performance. Take charge of your ration and start getting the most out of it today.
Verified by the Carbon Trust, Alltech IFM is an effective tool for predicting farm- and feed- specific enteric methane emissions.
Alltech IFM report benefits:
- Helps you troubleshoot ration problems quickly
- Identifies opportunities to improve efficiency and reduce your carbon footprint
- Allows you to test and compare solutions before making ration changes
Resulting in improved ration formulations, better performance and increased profitability.
Alltech IFM: In Vitro Ration Analysis
The In Vitro Ration Analysis is a simulation of rumen fermentation by utilizing real-time feed analytics and a dual pool mathematical model to deliver a dynamic diagnostic report.
This report helps you troubleshoot problems, improve efficiency and reduce environmental impact with measurements such as:
- Volatile fatty acid profile
- Undigested feed
- Total gas production and more
Alltech IFM: Yea-Sacc Value Test
The Yea-Sacc Value Test is a specialized Alltech IFM analysis that provides you with data-driven insights into the value of adding Yea-Sacc®, Alltech’s leading yeast feed additive, to your ration.
This report allows you to see the cost savings and increased performance of Yea-Sacc before feeding it through side-by-side metrics, such as:
- Available feed energy
- Lactic acid
- Expected milk production and more
*Not currently available in all markets
Start using Alltech IFM in three easy steps:
- Sign up and send in a ration sample.*
- Receive your In Vitro Ration Analysis or Yea-Sacc Value Test report.
- Implement changes that improve your efficiency and profitability.
*Online sign-up only available for North America. If you are based in another region, please fill out the form at the bottom of this page.
The in vitro fermentation model behind Alltech IFM is proven to help you succeed.
Feed samples are incubated using rumen fluid and a buffer system to mimic natural rumen fermentation in the cow. Feed samples can include concentrates, fresh forages, silages or total mixed rations (TMRs). As digestion progresses, volumes of fermentation gases, such as methane and carbon dioxide, are continuously monitored using an automated system.
Alltech IFM measures gas production, taking into account all nutrients fermented (solubles and insolubles). Total gas production is separated into fast-fermenting carbohydrates (e.g. starches and sugars) and slowly-fermenting carbohydrates (e.g. fibers) using mathematical equations.
Estimates of rates of degradation of the different carbohydrate fractions provide additional information on the nutritive value of the feed.
Measurement of fermentation by-products includes:
- Yield of microbial biomass (i.e. source of metabolizable protein to the animal).
- Volatile fatty acid profile (i.e. source of energy to the animal).
- Total gas production
- In vitro dry matter digestibility
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How much does each IFM analysis cost?
Costs may vary by region. Please contact your local rep or ifmteam@alltech.com for more information.
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What does an Alltech IFM report look like?
The IFM report includes the nutrient profile of the feed and the fermentation results, with graphics representing the fermentation kinetics and digestibility, microbial biomass, and VFA production and profile. The report also includes a basic explanation of the results and suggestions to improve the fermentation efficiency of the feed.
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How quickly can I expect to receive my Alltech IFM results?
Results from the samples received will be delivered within 6 to 10 business days.
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What is the difference between Alltech IFM and other in vitro techniques?
Alltech IFM is a unique in vitro gas production technique that simulates rumen fermentation and measures real-time digestion kinetics, all of the end-products of microbial fermentation (including gas, volatile fatty acids and microbial biomass) and the amount of feed digested. Other available methods may be limited in the number of observations used to generate the kinetics of nutrient digestion and/or the measurements of the end-products of fermentation — all of which is key information for making a complete evaluation of the nutritive value of the feed.
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How much of a feed or total mixed ration sample is required to run an Alltech IFM analysis?
An IFM evaluation can be done at any time to monitor the consistency of the feeding system and/or to establish the farm’s/pen’s baseline production, but it is best to complete testing at peak performance. IFM is an excellent resource in times when animal productivity is not where it should be or when there is a major change in forage sources, and it can also be a great service to offer to new prospects.
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Where should I send my feed sample for Alltech IFM testing?
Samples should be sent to:
Alltech IFM Lab
c/o Alltech South Dakota
700 32nd Avenue South
Brookings, SD 57006 -
What are the next steps after I receive my Alltech IFM testing results?
In addition to the fermentation results, the IFM report includes a basic explanation of the results, along with specific suggestions and recommendations for improving the fermentation profile of the feed tested. The report also lists the Alltech Evaluator, which producers can contact for further questions or to set up calls with farmers or nutritionists.
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Who should I contact with questions regarding IFM?
Please reach out to our Alltech IFM team with any questions:
Lab / Ration Sample Questions: IFMBrookingslab@alltech.com
Alltech IFM Report Interpretation or Sales Support: ifmteam@alltech.com
Free resources for you
IFM-related products
Yea-Sacc®
Yea-Sacc® provides the nutritional platform needed to sustain improved performance, maintain body condition, and enhance digestibility.Optigen®
Optigen® is Alltech's non-protein nitrogen (NPN) source for ruminants. It concentrates the nitrogen fraction of the diet, creating dry matter space for more fiber and energy.Fibrozyme
Fibrozyme is designed to maximize feed efficiency in high-fiber diets, encouraging intake to support productivity for both beef and dairy cattle.
Still have questions? Contact us!
Still have questions? Contact us!
