Novus launches digital feed ingredient database to improve ration formulation

GLOBAL – Novus has launched the Raw Material Compendium, a digital database that brings together feed ingredient nutrient data from multiple international sources to help nutritionists and feed manufacturers make more informed feed formulation decisions.

The online platform consolidates nutrient information from leading global feed composition databases into a single environment, enabling users to compare raw material values, assess variability between data sources, and evaluate alternative feed ingredients. 

The launch supports growing demand for data-driven formulation as feed manufacturers seek to improve feed efficiency while managing volatile raw material markets.

According to Novus, the tool addresses one of the industry’s biggest formulation challenges: variation in raw material composition. 

Differences in origin, climate, processing methods and suppliers can significantly influence nutrient content, making accurate formulation increasingly difficult.

The Raw Material Compendium allows nutritionists to compare nutrient values across multiple international references, helping them better understand ingredient variability and make more precise formulation decisions.

The platform includes nutritional data for a wide range of plant- and animal-based feed ingredients, including soybean meal, distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS), palm kernel meal, fish meal and feather meal.

The database integrates information from internationally recognised references, including the National Research Council (NRC), AFZ, INRAE, FEDNA, the Brazilian Feed Tables, and the CVB Feed Table, providing users with a broader perspective than relying on a single reference source.

For nutritionists in the Netherlands and Belgium, the system also compares ingredient values against the widely used CVB standards, supporting more accurate ration calculations for regional feed manufacturers.

Beyond accessing reference data, users can upload and securely compare their own laboratory analyses against the database. Novus said customer data remains confidential, with companies retaining ownership of all uploaded information.

Registered users can generate graphs and tables comparing ingredients and nutrient profiles, with results exportable for formulation analysis and reporting. 

The cloud-based platform is accessible via computers, tablets and smartphones.

Digital tools reshape feed formulation

The launch reflects the growing adoption of digital technologies within the animal feed industry as manufacturers increasingly rely on data analytics to improve precision nutrition and reduce formulation risk.

With feed accounting for the largest share of livestock production costs, accurate ingredient evaluation has become increasingly important as nutritionists balance feed performance, ingredient availability and cost optimisation.

Novus said the Raw Material Compendium builds on its previously published printed reference guide by offering an interactive digital platform that makes ingredient comparisons faster and easier.

The company added that the launch aligns with its broader strategy of supporting feed manufacturers through digital knowledge platforms and analytical tools that enhance decision-making and improve feed formulation efficiency.

Sign up HERE to receive our email newsletters with the latest news updates and insights from Africa and the World, and follow us on our WhatsApp channel for updates.