On February 28th 2012, on farmscape.ca radio, Dr. Ruurd Zijlstra of the University of Alberta discussed Near Infrared Reflectance Spectroscopy to determine the digestible energy content of barley:
NIRS is a non-invasive way to test digestible energy content in barley. The technique has been used in the grain industry for some time to test moister and protein in various grains. This technology allows for producers to send samples to a lab for testing and learn the DEC of there barley that day. The test only takes a few minutes to preform in a lab setting with the proper equipment.
To listen to the interview click here: Near Infrared Reflectance Spectroscopy Offers Digestible Energy Content Analysis of Barley