Library updates and feed chemistry

The CNCPS Feed Library exists primarily to provide uncommon, difficult to measure, or otherwise non-routine values for a broad variety of feeds that are used in dairy cow rations. Specific feed chemistry parameters such as ruminal or intestinal digestion rates, though important in ration formulation, are costly and time-consuming to obtain, and thus are not generally performed as part of routine feed analyses. Additionally, some feed constituents are very consistent, in which case library values provide a reasonable estimation. 

The CNCPS feed library currently contains more than 900 entries, approximately 25% of which are commercially-available products, the remainder being conventional-type feeds. For many conventional feeds, multiple ingredient profiles with varied concentrations of crude protein, fiber, etc. are available to improve alignment with actual ingredients used on-farm. While nutritionists and users should prioritize the use of actual measured values for the ingredients in their rations wherever possible, the feed library serves an important role in filling in the gaps in routine feed analyses. The feed library is available for use in all platforms in which the CNCPS model is deployed and is not distributed as a standalone resource. 

The feed library is an amalgamation of feed constituent data from:

  • Commercial feed chemistry laboratories
  • Commercial product entries
  • Van Amburgh laboratory feed chemistry work 

The feed library is curated by the Van Amburgh laboratory at Cornell University. 

Feed library resources

Adding to the feed library

Commercial entities may elect to submit entries to the CNCPS Feed Library to facilitate the utilization of their products in commercial ration formulation softwares. Feed library updates are pushed to commercial software groups quarterly.  

Feed library entry fees

The exact constituents and analyses required for entry of a product into the feed library is dependent on the matrix of the specific product. Updates to existing feeds in the library are free for the life of the product and can be made at any time by contacting the CNCPS team.

The fee structure for library entries is based on the number of entries being requested. Entries of three or more feeds are discounted, and the total cost for 1 to 10 entries is shown in the table below. 

Feed library fee structure
Number of feedsTotal cost
1$2,500
2$5,000
3$6,750
4$8,500
5$10,250
6$12,00
7$13,250
8$14,500
9$15,750
10$17,000

Feed chemistry

Feed chemistry services

The Van Amburgh Nutrition laboratory offers a range of analytical services to meet the needs of researchers, suppliers, and industry professionals. 

Current services and pricing

Availables analyses

The list of assays below represents a sample of typical testing requests. Upon notification of the request, lab staff will discuss which analyses will provide the results that the client desires. 

  • Intact aNDFom and in vitro auNDFom testing
  • Amino acid analysis of physiologicals and hydrolysates via LCMS
  • Ross analysis
  • In vitro rumen stability time point series for feed N
  • In vitro enzyme testing on feed digestibility

Request services

To request lab analysis, start by completing the online service request form.  This helps us understand your goals and the type of analysis needed. After reviewing your request, lab staff will clarify testing needs and provide a quote for services.  Once testing is complete, an invoice will be provided with report of results.   

International clients:  If payment for service will originate from outside of the United States, a routine product testing agreement must be established. Additional information will be provided upon receipt of the request form. 

For more information

Feed chemistry

  • vanutritionlab [at] cornell.edu (vanutritionlab[at]cornell[dot]edu)

Library inputs and model information

  • cncpscattle [at] cornell.edu (cncpscattle[at]cornell[dot]edu)