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Smart Feed: AI-powered feed impact analysis

Learn more about Root Global's Smart Feed feature. Includes step-by-step instructions, use cases, and troubleshooting FAQs.

Nick Rupprechter avatar
Written by Nick Rupprechter
Updated over 3 months ago

Calculating the emission footprint of mixed feeds is easy with Smart Feed

Mixed feeds are a crucial part of modern farming, but their environmental impact has been hard to measure - until now. Many farmers purchase compound feeds from various manufacturers, each with unique compositions and environmental footprints. While some manufacturers provide an open declaration with a full list of ingredients and their proportion in the mix, most use a semi-open declaration, only disclosing the main nutritional KPIs and an ingredient list ordered by proportion in the mix.

Root Global's Smart Feed technology solves this challenge by determining precise emission factors for any feed using the nutrient information from your feed packaging.

Examples of feed packaging slips with semi open declaration

(Pictured: examples of Polish and Portuguese feed packaging slips, with semi-open ingredient declaration)

How Smart Feed Works

Smart Feed uses machine learning trained on hundreds of verified feed compositions and their corresponding emission factors. When you input nutrient values, the feature:

  1. Compares the nutrients and ingredients in your feed to our database

  2. Predicts the exact ingredient composition of the mix

  3. Calculates the weighted emission factor of the mix

The technology is similar to what has been used in feed science for decades, just automated. Every result is verified against our database of real-world values, ensuring reliability and traceability.

Impact on Your Assessment

The calculated emission factor directly affects your total emissions:

  • Feeds often represent 40-60% of emissions

  • More accurate feed data = more accurate total footprint

  • Better data helps identify reduction opportunities

⚙️ How to create a feed in the Root platform

There are two ways to create a feed depending on the information available on your packaging. Here's how to use each method:

Method 1: Create by ingredients

Use this when you have a fully open declaration with ingredients and their proportions

  1. Click "Create feed" button

  2. Enter feed name and select the manufacturer brand

  3. Select "By ingredients" tab

  4. Click "Add ingredient" and select from the library

  5. Enter the percentage for each ingredient using the slider

  6. Continue adding ingredients (up to 12 max)

  7. Ensure percentages add up to 100%

  8. Click "Create feed" to calculate emission factor

Method 2: Smart Feed

Use this when you only have nutrient values and a basic ingredient list

  1. Click "Create feed" button

  2. Enter feed name and select the manufacturer brand

  3. Select "By key nutrients" tab

  4. Enter the nutrient values from packaging:

    • Raw protein (%)

    • Raw fiber (%)

    • Raw fat (%)

    • Raw ash (%)

  5. Now focus on the ingredient list. Click on "add ingredient" and select the first ingredient (or closest match).

  6. Repeat this step for the first 6 ingredients in the order written on the packaging. You can select the same ingredient several times. For example if the 3rd ingredient is "puffed rice" and the 4th is "rice flour", select "grains" twice, for the 3rd and 4th lines.

  7. Click "Create feed" to let Smart Feed calculate the emission factor. This can take up to 30 seconds.

☝️ Important Tips:

  • Use decimals where needed: values must be exact as shown on packaging

  • You can switch methods before saving, but not once the feed mix is created.

  • You can select the same ingredient several times.

  • Smart Feed only needs the feed's main ingredients: the first 6 ingredients are sufficient for accurate analysis, but you can add up to 10.

✏️ Editing an Existing Feed

  1. Find the feed in "Your feeds" tab

  2. Click the edit icon (✏️ pencil) to the right of the feed

  3. Modify values as needed (name, brand or parameters)

  4. Save changes, you're done!

❓Frequently Asked Questions

How accurate is Smart Feed?

Smart Feed is:

  • Based on verified feed science

  • Tested against real feed samples

  • Limited to feed analysis only

  • Updated regularly with new data

  • Validated by feed experts

The system won't accept unrealistic values and clearly indicates confidence levels. Results can always be reviewed and adjusted if needed. Think of it as a smart calculator – it automates complex calculations but relies on established feed science principles and real data.

Can I delete a feed I created?

Currently, you can edit the name, brand, and composition but not delete feeds. This preserves data integrity across assessments.

I created a feed using nutrients but now want to switch to ingredients. How can I do that?

Currently, you'll need to create a new feed with the ingredient information. You can rename the original feed (e.g., "OLD - Feed Name") to avoid confusion.

Why is Smart Feed in beta?

We're continuously expanding our database and refining the matching algorithm. Current results are highly reliable, but we maintain beta status while expanding coverage.

What if my feed's nutrients add up to less than 100%?

This is normal—not all nutrient components are listed on packaging. Enter the values exactly as shown.

Can I edit a feed that's being used in an assessment?

Yes, but changes will affect all assessments using that feed. Consider creating a new feed instead if you are changing many parameters.

What if I don't have all the nutrient values?

All four values (protein, fiber, fat, ash) are required for Smart Feed to work. In Europe, feed manufacturers are required to declare these on packaging, though they might appear under different names:

  • Protein = Raw protein or crude protein

  • Fiber = Raw fiber or crude fiber

  • Fat = Raw fat or crude fat

  • Ash = Raw ash or crude ash

Tip: Enter decimals when available.

Why do I need to enter ingredients in order?

The order of ingredients in your feed's list matters - manufacturers must list ingredients by their proportion, from highest to lowest. This order helps our AI determine more accurate emission factors by predicting an exact ingredient mix.

Why should I add only the first 6-10 ingredients?

The first 6-10 ingredients typically represent the vast majority of your feed's composition. Later ingredients appear in such small quantities that they don't significantly impact the emission factor.

What if my ingredient list has complex names?

Match each ingredient to the closest match from our dropdown. For example, "Corn gluten feed (60% protein)" would match to "Corn/Maize", or "Soybean meal 44% protein" would match to "Soy", then look on the packaging for the origin of the soy (EU vs non-EU)

Can I skip ingredients I'm not sure about?

Try to match all ingredients in order without skipping. If you're unsure about matching an ingredient to a category, contact support. Our AI needs at least 5 main ingredients to accurately determine your feed's emission factor. Fewer ingredients don't provide enough information for reliable results.

I can't add more than 10 ingredients?

Correct - Smart Feed works best with the main ingredients. Adding more wouldn't improve accuracy since later ingredients appear in very small proportions.

I made a mistake in my ingredient categories/order. How can I fix it?

While entering ingredients:

  • Use the trash can icon (🗑️) next to each ingredient to remove entries

  • Re-add ingredients in the correct order

  • You can remove and add ingredients until you get the right sequence

After creating the feed:

  • Find your feed in "Your feeds"

  • Click the pencil icon (✏️) to edit

  • Remove incorrect ingredients using the trash can (🗑️)

  • Add ingredients in the correct order

  • Click on "Edit feed" to save your changes

For best results, ingredients should match their order of appearance on your packaging's ingredient list. Remember, the order matters as ingredients are listed by proportion, from highest to lowest.

Why is mineral feed automatically added to my ingredient list?

Mineral feed is automatically added to your ingredient list since over 99% of industrial mixed feeds contain minerals. We assume it's an oversight if these weren't manually added.

  • You can remove the mineral feed anytime when editing your feed composition

  • However, it will be automatically added again upon re-editing

  • This automatic addition ensures more accurate emissions calculations

  • The amount of mineral feed is small and has minimal impact on the overall footprint

This is part of our efforts to simplify your input while ensuring precise data.

Can I share my custom feeds with other users?

Currently, custom feeds are specific to your account. We're considering adding sharing capabilities in future updates, so feel free to reach out to us at help@rootglobal.io we'd love to hear more about your specific needs.

Haven't found the right answer to your question?

Please contact us by phone or email.

📞 Phone: +49 30 91 73 95 45

✉️ Email: help@rootglobal.io

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