Over the past decade, the Alltech In Vitro Fermentation Model (Alltech IFM) has become a
cornerstone analytical platform supporting dairy nutrition decisions across India and South
Asia. In 2025, the IFM laboratory continued to expand both its scale and impact, providing
robust and practical insights for feed manufacturers, nutritionists and dairy producers.
2025 at a glance: Scale and scope
In 2025, the IFM laboratory analysed over 550 feed samples, reflecting growing industry
confidence in IFM as a decision-support tool. Since its inception, the IFM lab has analysed
more than 5,650 samples, creating one of the most comprehensive rumen fermentation data
sets in the region. In parallel, starch analysis continues to expand, with 730+ starch analyses
completed overall, including 280 samples analysed in 2025 alone.
Consistent improvements in fibre digestibility
NDF digestibility (NDFD) remains one of the most critical drivers of rumen efficiency, dry
matter intake and milk performance. Across diverse feed matrices evaluated in 2025, IFM
studies consistently demonstrated the ability of Alltech solutions, particularly Yea-Sacc and
Optimase™, to enhance fibre utilisation.
Yea-Sacc vs. competitor supplement study
A key focus during 2025 was comparative evaluation of commercial yeast products under
identical IFM conditions. Across multiple trials and feed types, Yea-Sacc consistently
outperformed competitor yeast products, delivering an overall 2-4% higher NDFD under
controlled in vitro rumen fermentation.
Silage quality: Regional insights through IFM
Silage evaluation remained a key focus area in 2025, with IFM used to assess fermentation
quality and nutritive value across regions.
Average silage pH was ~3.7, indicating good fermentation and stability.
Marked regional variations were noted in starch and fibre content, factors that influence
energy release and rumen function.
Higher NDFD was observed; this is strongly associated with improved feed utilisation
and milk performance.
IFM studies showed that Alltech solutions improved silage NDFD by ~5-6% on average,
enhancing rumen fermentation even in low-starch or high-fibre silages.
OPTIMASE™
IFM evaluations confirmed the value of Optimase, Alltech’s precision blend of enzymes and
non-protein nitrogen (NPN), in improving feed utilisation. The evaluations showed:
Higher true dry matter digestibility (TDMD) and NDFD
Improved partitioning factor (PF), indicating better conversion of digested nutrients
into microbial biomass
Reduced gas production, reflecting improved rumen efficiency and lower energy losses
Under IFM conditions, Optimase improved TDMD by ~1% and NDFD by ~5% in cattle
feeds, translating into better feed efficiency, higher predicted microbial protein synthesis
and potential milk yield benefits.
Unlike static chemical analyses, IFM provides dynamic fermentation kinetics, enabling
customers to:
Identify hidden inefficiencies in feeds and TMRs
Compare nutritional solutions before field implementation
Optimise rations faster and at lower cost than with in vivo trials
Reduce feed wastage and environmental losses
This science-led approach directly supports better return on investment (ROI) for feed
manufacturers and dairy producers alike.
Looking ahead: IFM in 2026
As the dairy industry continues to navigate rising feed costs, variable forage quality and
sustainability pressures, IFM will play an even more strategic role in 2026 and beyond. Key
focus areas for 2026 include:
More solution-based IFM studies combining yeast, enzymes and NPN technologies
Microbial protein and protein fractionations
Stronger collaboration with feed mills, dairy cooperatives and nutrition consultants
Leveraging the growing IFM database to generate region-specific benchmarks
The 2025 IFM recap highlights not only the scale of analytical work completed but, more
importantly, the consistency and reliability of the insights generated. With over 550
samples analysed in 2025 and 5,650+ samples since the lab was established, Alltech IFM
continues to strengthen its position as a trusted partner in feed optimisation. As we move
into 2026, Alltech IFM remains committed to transforming advanced rumen science into
practical, profitable and sustainable nutrition solutions for the dairy industry.
Authors:
Dr Hemant Pandey, Sr. Research Scientist, IFM
Akshatha Bhat E, Research Technician, IFM
Dr Karanti Kumar Chakarwarti, Business GM – Dairy (India and Nepal)
Dr Bilal Chamadia, Technical Manager – India/Nepal & Bangladesh (Dairy)
Raksha P R, Asst Marketing Manager – India & Sri Lanka