1. Create the batch
IFE generates a permanent batch ID. Seller, fodder type, harvest/baling date, storage method, quantity and physical lot boundaries are locked before sampling.
Quality control
IFE certified-test protocol
A traceable process for linking one representative sample, one laboratory result and one defined sale batch. This is an IFE commercial protocol informed by Teagasc and laboratory guidance—not a claim that IFE itself is an accredited laboratory.
2. Take a representative sample
Wait 5–6 weeks after ensiling. Use a long core sampler for pits; take 3–5 well-spaced cores, or nine W-pattern grab samples from an open face. Test each bale batch separately.
3. Seal and identify
Mix the composite sample, exclude air, seal promptly, record sampler identity and sample time, reseal bale holes and dispatch without a late-week delay.
4. Preserve chain of custody
Capture sample ID, tamper seal, batch photographs, quantity represented, collection hand-off, laboratory receipt and any condition exception.
5. Laboratory analysis
Approved lab records method and units and uploads the signed certificate plus structured DM, DMD, ME, CP, pH, ammonia-N, NDF and ash results. Trigger optional mineral, nitrate, yeast/mould or mycotoxin tests when risk indicates.
6. IFE validation
The system confirms approved laboratory, unique report reference, required fields, plausible ranges, batch link, accreditation scope where applicable and a second-person review before Verified status.
7. Release and monitor
Only verified batches enter matching. Certificate PDF, result history and audit events are retained. Re-sample after a material storage/condition change, lot split/mixture, visible spoilage or certificate expiry.
Core certified panel
| Measure | Units | IFE use | Default silage check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dry matter | % fresh | Normalises water content and calculates kg DM/bale | Context-dependent; typical target 28–32% |
| DMD | % | Animal-fit gate and concentrate relationship | >72% for high-performance dairy-beef use |
| ME | MJ/kg DM | Usable energy and cost/1,000 MJ | >11 target indicator |
| Crude protein | % DM | Protein fit and ration-balance flag | >13.5 target indicator |
| pH | pH | Fermentation/storage flag interpreted with DM | Usually 3.8–4.5 |
| Ammonia-N | % total N | Poor-fermentation/intake risk | <10 desirable; >15 risk flag |
| NDF | % DM | Fibre and intake-potential context | <44 target indicator |
| Ash | % DM | Soil-contamination flag | <8.6 target indicator |
Important: thresholds are decision-support defaults, not universal pass/fail limits. Fodder type, dry matter, animal class, liveweight, pregnancy/lactation status and the total ration can change the correct interpretation. IFE should appoint an animal-nutrition adviser to approve each production profile before live trading.