Near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy has shown promise as an on-farm tool for fat and protein content determination of raw milk. However, milk analysis in the field requires affordable and small NIR sensors. The study by Uusitalo et al. “Comparison of milk analysis performance between NIR laboratory analyzer and miniaturized NIR MEMS sensors” demonstrates the potential of using Micro-Electro-Mechanical-System (MEMS) based NIR sensors for measuring the milk fat and protein content.
Different studies, both in the lab and on the farm, indicate that near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy holds the potential for rapid, non- destructive and on-line analysis of the raw milk composition. Large NIR laboratory analyzers are cumbersome to use or carry in the field and high price limits their use in specific cases. This study evaluated the ability of affordable MEMS-based NIR sensors to analyze the NIR transmittance and reflectance of raw milk collected from the farm and predict the fat and protein concentrations from these spectra.
MEMS sensors are small and cost-effective option for on-farm and on-line monitoring of the milk quality. The implementation of affordable MEMS sensors into milking equipment could allow for high-frequent and rapid analysis of the milk quality on the farm. This would enable converting the obtained time-series of milk quality parameters into valuable information for on-farm monitoring the health of individual cows.
Available online: https://lirias.kuleuven.be/2911470?limo=0
Read also our article about the SmartFarm project (Smart Sensors and concepts for farm digitalization).
For further information on the Spectral Engines’ MEMS-based NIR spectral sensors please read more at:
