Near infrared spectra features of cocoa pod husk used for feedstuff

Abstract

This presented study aimed to study the near infrared spectroscopic features of cocoa pod husk samples used as raw materials for animal feedstuff. Spectral data of organic material samples contains chemical properties information that can be revealed through modelling, Thus, the study of this features is essential to assess and reveal buried respective information. Cocoa pod husk samples were obtained from several districts in Aceh Province, grinded and prepared as bulk samples. Diffuse reflectance spectral data for a total of 30 bulk cocoa pod husk samples were acquired and recorded in wavelength range from 1000 to 2500 nm. Spectral data were firstly projected onto principal component analysis to observe similarities among samples. Spectra correction, namely mean normalization was employed to enhance spectra features. The results showed that several chemical information related to cocoa properties can be revealed such as dry matter, crude protein, crude fibre, ether extract, nitrogen-free extract and ash content due to the second and third overtones pf combination bands O-H, C-O-H and N-H. Optimum wavelength for estimating cocoa pod husk attributes are in 1217, 1405-1474 nm, 1629 nm, 1906-1979 nm, and 2283 nm. Based on obtained study, it may conclude that several quality attributes of animal feed samples further can be determined by means of near infrared spectroscopy approach.