The Laboratory for Fodder Analysis provides full chemical and physical testing:

• to find out the concentration of substances contained in fodder and assess the quality,
• to ensure a balanced diet for livestock, which is appropriate for a suitable yield,
• to answer specific research questions in the field of mountain farming.

The Laboratory for Fodder Analysis tests different matrices both as part of internal research projects and as a service for external customers.

Matrices tested by the Laboratory for Fodder Analysis

The matrices tested include:

• hay
• green fodder
• maize silage
• grass silage
• feed

Testing Methods

As well as chemical methods, which are more cost- and time-intensive, Near Infrared Spectrometry (NIRS) is also used to identify the different parameters that can be traced back to fodder quality. This is a non-invasive procedure which is used to quantify fodder components.

The laboratory works to further improve this method and allow greater time and money savings for fodder testing.

Headquarters and Opening Times

The Laboratory for Fodder Analysis is located in the main building of Laimburg Research Centre.

The laboratory opening times are:

• Monday to Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.;
• Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.