Fiber in Animal Nutrition

19 Fiber effects related to health and welfare topics sow and day) resulted in 44.8% soft formed faeces (table 2). The influence of sugar beet pulp on faeces consistency is conditioned by water binding capacity and the influence on osmotic balance in the course of fermentati- on. University trials and practical experience shows that the positive influence of sugar beet pulp on faeces consistency is also often accompanied by a certain stickiness. Lignocellulose delivers insoluble fiber. In- soluble fiber influences the digesta transit in the different segments of the gastrointestinal tract. It has been demonstrated that insolu- ble fiber can speed up the intestinal transit time of the digesta (Wilfart et al. 2006). The effects on the intestine help avoid constipati- on. The insoluble character of lignocellulose and the highWBC results in a bulking fiber promoting peristalsis and providing a large surface for the proliferation of gut healthy lactic acid bacteria in the hind gut. A trial at the National University of Mexico (Borbolla and Hortado, 2011) evaluated the faeces consistency of 25 sows fed from day 104 of gestation and day 21 of lactation with or without 50 g of Arbocel as top dressing to a sorghum, maize, soya based diet. The diagram below shows that feeding lignocellulose reversed the proportion of hard and normal faeces. Resulting in 68% normal faeces (desired consistency) when feeding lignocellulose (figure 2). Satiation Satiation is subject to different mechanisms. The fiber source and individual fiber proper- Sensory impression Sugar beet pulp (low molasses content) Faeces consistency Score Samples % Firm, formed 4 29 34.50 Soft, formed 3 29 44.80 Pappy 2 29 13.80 Watery 1 29 6.90 Figure 2: Faeces consistency of sows fed Arbocel lignocellulose compared to a control group (Borbolla and Hortado – National University of Mexico, 2011) Table 2: Sensory impression of faeces from sows fed 1.5 kg standard feed and with ad libitum access to sugar beet pulp (Warzecha, 2006 modified) 0 Control Arbocel So Normal Hard 50 100% 36 63 68 30 © ERLING Verlag