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Alltech IFM®: Feed Digestibility Testing

Improve dairy herd performance with a quick in vitro test

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Troubleshoot ration problems quickly

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Improve efficiency and reduce carbon footprint

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See performance gains backed by in vitro data

IFM - In Vitro Fermentation Model
For more than 30 years, Alltech has worked with farmers to develop natural solutions for real world issues. With the development of IFM, Alltech is binging science even closer to your farm.
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    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.

    Sign up

    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 global map of lab locations

    Alltech IFM offers two report options to help you identify problems and improve performance in your dairy or beef herd.

    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

    See sample report

     

    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

    See sample report

     

    *Not currently available in all markets

    Start using Alltech IFM in three easy steps:

    1. Sign up and send in a ration sample.*
    2. Receive your In Vitro Ration Analysis or Yea-Sacc Value Test report.
    3. Implement changes that improve your efficiency and profitability.

    Sign up

     

    *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.

    Alltech researcher in the IFM lab

    The in vitro fermentation model behind Alltech IFM is proven to help you succeed.

     

    Alltech IFM how it works infographic

    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

    Frequently Asked Questions

    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.

    Recent Articles

    Digestive efficiency in dairy cows

    A new tool to measure yeast efficacy in dairy cows

    Yeast supplementation is a common practice to improve the efficiency of feed utilization and performance in dairy cows. It is well-known that supplements containing live yeast can improve rumen fermentation and the digestive process by stabilizing rumen pH and stimulating the growth of beneficial microbial populations.

    How do we verify sustainable animal feed in ruminant production?

    Animal feed is integral to profitable and efficient dairy and beef farming. Therefore, feed production has a crucial role in how we lower the environmental impact associated with the food system.
    Alltech has launched its first European-based in vitro fermentation laboratory, Alltech IFM™, in collaboration with Harper Adams University in the U.K.

    New Alltech IFM™ laboratory opens at Harper Adams University to evaluate digestibility of ruminant rations in Europe

    Development of more rumen-friendly rations to mitigate both environmental and physical feed waste can be achieved with Alltech IFM, a unique tool to support diet formulation

    Still have questions? Contact us!

    Or sign up today!

    Alltech Scienteist in the lab

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