C. Chemical Composition
The chemical composition (protein, oil and starch concentration) of corn is measured using near-infrared transmittance (NIRT) spectroscopy. NIRT uses unique interactions of specific wavelengths of light with each sample. It is calibrated to traditional chemistry methods, in order to predict the concentrations of oil, protein and starch in the sample. This procedure is nondestructive to the corn. Chemical composition tests for protein, oil and starch is conducted using a 400- to 450-gram (g) sample in a whole-kernel Foss Infratec 1229 NIRT instrument. Results are reported on a dry basis percentage (percent of non-water material).