Tag: Fiber digestibility

According to agricultural studies, the NDF content of feed is a primary indicator for predicting dry matter intake in ruminants, a vital factor for high-producing dairy cows. Understanding the meaning of NDF food is therefore critical for managing livestock diets effectively, as this metric directly impacts both animal health and productivity. It provides a standardized measure of the fibrous components that are key to proper digestion, particularly for animals like cattle and horses.

Research has shown that a one-unit increase in forage NDF digestibility can lead to a measurable increase in a dairy cow's milk yield and dry matter intake. This metric is a powerful and accurate indicator used by nutritionists to evaluate feed quality and predict animal performance.

Dating back to the Weende analysis of 1864, crude fiber is defined as the residual plant matter that remains after being treated with boiling acid and alkaline solutions. For most animals, including humans, crude fiber is largely indigestible, serving a different purpose than energy provision within the digestive system.