Sample Preparation Method for Near Infrared Reflectance Spectroscopy to Predict Fermentation Quality of Maize Silage

Using NIRS directly on undried silage can increase error due to variability in sample particle size, temperature and water content (Givens et al., 1997). These problems can be overcome by grinding silages in frozen state with dry ice or liquid nitrogen, but such procedures are time-consuming and inconvenient due to cleanup required between samples and the need to thaw the sample for subsequent use. The objective of this experiment was to assess the effect of sample preparation methods on prediction of fermentation quality of maize silage, and to select an acceptable sample-preparation method for wet silage