Ingredient Tool

Autocalc

Nutrients are the foundation of your ingredient selection. Our AutoCalc� system offers a simple, swift means to adjust nutrients in hundreds of ingredients from around the world. Complex equations based on wet chemistry and near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy measurements update more than 100 nutrient values for changes in geography, processing, seasons and other factors. We’re continually seeking out new ways to accurately analyze and quantify nutrients.

With AutoCalc, you’re clear about the relationship between individual amino acid levels and overall protein concentration in your soybeans. You don’t have to rely on book values to figure out how much metabolizable energy you can expect from a load of corn. Instead, you’ll see improved accuracy in ration formulations and better performance — both of which have a positive effect on costs. You have specific performance metrics; why not take advantage of AutoCalc’s feed metrics to benefit your operation?

Feed Ingredient and Nutrient Directory

Cargill’s Feed Ingredient and Nutrient Directory (FIND�) is an excellent tool for ingredient quality control, feed manufacturing and feeding guidelines.

The comprehensive, searchable reference defines all ingredients used in the feed industry along with their respective nutrients. Each entry contains information on processing, purchasing specifications, receiving guidelines, handling characteristics, and an explanation of how that ingredient is used in the formulation system. The entry is cross-referenced to related ingredients and may include species-specific comments.

Optimum Value Supplier Database

Nutrient content can vary between ingredient suppliers. It can vary over time with the same supplier. The Optimum Value Supplier DatabaseTM captures the nutrient content of feed ingredients from laboratory analysis and records real-time changes in nutrient composition. We can source the best cost feed ingredients without sacrificing high nutritional value, because we know:

• How the nutrient profile of each commodity changes over time
• How much nutrient variation exists between each supplier
• The consistency of nutrient supply from individual suppliers

Soybean Meal and Milo Quality Control

Soybean and milo quality control are two great examples of better feed results from incorporating test results into AutoCalc� and our ingredient database. Because testing in our laboratories is done to the same standards around the world, and the information is linked and updated in real-time, we’ve reduced nutrient variations and maintained consistent performance for our customers.

Soy — A Vital Protein Source

Soybean meal and other heat-treated soy ingredients are the most important protein sources for birds. Over- or under-heated soy protein influences performance. Using urase activity and KOH protein solubility testing, we evaluate ingredients and automatically calculate digestible amino acids.

Balancing Tannin Content in Milo for Energy

Milo, or sorghum, is an important energy source for poultry. However, its tannin content is highly variable. Testing for tannic acid enables us to adjust proteins, amino acids, starches, sugars and fats because the tannins in the milo can bind nutrients and affect nutrient utilization. As a result, we know and can compensate for variations in poultry metabolizable energy and digestible amino acids.