Fiber in Animal Nutrition

39 Fiber related health and welfare topics Not only its chemical composition and its purity but also the physical appearance of the crude fiber concentrate particles are si- gnificantly different when compared to the standard fiber sources. Not only its chemi- cal composition and its purity but also the physical appearance of the crude fiber con- centrate particles are significantly different when compared to the standard fiber sources as shown in picture 1 and 2. 3.4 Fiber related health and welfare topics In other species the importance of fiber for health and welfare is well established. For example in Germany gestating sows need to have at least 7% crude fiber in their feed by law. The level of awareness concerning the importance of insoluble fiber in poultry is by far not that high. In broilers there is almost no awareness of the importance of insoluble fiber.The situation in layers ismuch better. ISA and Lohmann promote the concept of using elevated levels of insoluble fibers in the pre laying stage as well as in the laying stage.Main arguments for the insoluble fibers are in layers the intestinal health, the role of fiber in the development of feather pecking, cannibalism as well as the importance of insoluble fibers in the development of wet litter. In layer pullets there is very strong evidence that insoluble fiber can help to enlarge the gizzard, which is important for the feed intake in the early laying stage. In broiler breeders it is mainly the Hubbard people who promote the use of insoluble fiber due to the satiation effect with some related issues. 3.4.1 Litter quality According to Butchers andMiles (2009) litter quality is one of the key factors in poultry production. If litter moisture is not kept at an acceptable level, very high bacterial loads and unsanitary growing conditions may result in producing odors (including ammonia), insect problems (particularly flies), soiled feathers, foot pad lesions and breast blisters. In a well- managed broiler house, litter moisture nor- mally averages between 25 and 35%. Many factors impact the litter quality.These factors are predominantly disease, animal bedding and the temperature including ven- tilation in the stable, and the feed quality and composition. Concerning feed composition it is well established that an imbalance of sodium and potassium can cause significant wet litter issues. Additionally there is lots of evidence that the nature of the fiber has a massive impact on the litter quality. Picture 2: Crude fiber concentrate 50 × magnification Picture 1: Wheat bran 50 × magnification © ERLING Verlag