A next-generation feed analysis app designed to support state-of-the-art sophistication in feeding approaches for livestock was officially unveiled by Canadian Bio-Systems Inc. (CBS) at the 2017 World Pork Expo -- iNSPect, a first-of-its-kind, dietary focused digital app available for use by the feed industry globally.

It allows users to input information on the type of diet they are feeding and receive an instant analysis on dietary non-starch polysaccharides (NSPs) such as cellulose, arabinoxylan, beta-glucan, mannan, pectins and various other NSP components, the company said.

The app then also allows users to select and compare feed additive options to address the NSPs in order to boost the digestibility, nutrition capture and a range of related benefits spanning animal performance, health and reduced environmental footprint.

“INSPect puts the power of rapid, highly robust, science-based feed analysis into the hands of everyone from nutritionists and producers to others involved in the feed industry and animal agriculture,” Krisjan Jones, CBS operations director, said. “It is a dynamic, user- and mobile-friendly tool combining the latest in digital app and dietary analysis technology, packed with numerous features. It allow users to quickly and simply identify opportunities for enhanced precision feeding approaches.”

The scientific basis of the tool is second to none, CBS technical director Rob Patterson said. The app draws upon a wealth of more than 30 years of research knowledge and commercial data on feed sources, dietary analyses and feed additives. It is a “living” tool constantly updated based on new knowledge and data to offer users the most up-to-date analysis and reporting available, he added.

Patterson said, “iNSPect is packed with science-based sophistication yet offers an extremely user-friendly format that is designed for simple and practical use from any device in any location. It puts robust dietary analysis at your fingertips and — most important — delivers highly valuable, instantly usable reporting to optimize your feeding approach. Getting the right information to take livestock feeding to a much higher level of efficiency, value and profitability has never been easier to access and apply than it is using iNSPect.”

The launch of the app comes at a time when advances in science have dramatically expanded the understanding of feed ingredients and opportunities for precision feed and nutrition-based approaches, Patterson explained. These advances can support major gains in highly efficient production aligned with market and consumer demands.

Enhanced precision feeding

Potent and highly optimized feed additives such as the latest generation of multi-carbohydrate enzyme formulations have provided the industry with a dramatically enhanced capability to address a wide spectrum of challenges and opportunities. This includes greater capability to meet expectations for reduced use of antimicrobials, such as "raised without antibiotics" (RWA) or "no antibiotics ever" (NAE) production systems.

“The opportunities available via feed technology including bio-based supplements are continuing to rapidly advance,” Patterson said. “INSPect is designed for broad applicability anywhere in the world — with any type of livestock diet — to help take advantage of the latest knowledge, tools and strategies.”

The iNSPect app is accessible at inspect.canadianbio.com. A base level is available for all users. Accessibility to a premium advanced version is available by contacting CBS via information available at both on the iNSPect app site and at www.canadianbio.com.