ARS | Publication request: Photoluminescence spectroscopy for the discernment of plants within animal diets

Submitted to: Proceedings of Pittcon Meeting
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: October 17, 2006
Publication Date: N/A

Technical Abstract: Identification of different animal diets of free ranging herbivores is of much interest. Spectroscopic probes offer the potential for real-time analyses compared to microphitological procedures. The inherent multi-dimensionality of photoluminescence spectroscopy (i.e., fluorescence and phosphorescence) is a significant benefit for the analysis of chemically complex samples. Unfortunately, analysis of multi-dimensional data requires the use of algorithms other than simple linear regression at a single wavelength. To evaluate the utility of multi-dimensional luminescence spectroscopy for animal diet determinations, the excitatin-emission spectral signatures of each of seven diet components (i.e., diet supplement concentrate, Pistacia lentiscus, Phylirea Latifolia media, Pinus Brutia, alfalfa hay and clover hay) were acquired. Post-digested diet samples (i.e., feces) resulting from each hay component were also included.