Tag: Monogastrics

According to extensive animal nutrition research, dietary fiber is often considered an anti-nutritional factor, yet it can also provide significant health benefits depending on its type, source, and inclusion level. The effect of fiber on feed digestibility is complex, influencing nutrient absorption, gut morphology, and the resident microbial population in a wide range of animals.

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, a significant portion of livestock production worldwide relies on fibre-rich forage, which is essential for digestive health. High-fibre feeds are a critical component of animal nutrition, influencing everything from gut function to weight management and overall welfare across different species.

Dietary fiber is a component of plant-based foods that resists digestion in the small intestine and instead undergoes partial or complete fermentation in the large intestine. Understanding how does fiber affect the digestibility of feed material is crucial, as its impact can range from beneficial improvements in gut health and organ function to detrimental reductions in nutrient absorption and energy utilization, depending on the animal species and fiber type.