We have produced a new reference guide which provides poultry and swine producers with an introduction to the benefits of moving from conventional fibre methods (i.e. crude fibre and NDF) to total dietary fibre analysis using Near Infrared Reflectance (NIR) technology.
The guide contains the results of non-starch polysaccharide (NSP) analysis of feedstuff samples from around the world and is being published in conjunction with the launch of a new NSP analysis feature within the AB Vista Feed Quality Service. The NSP analysis service gives nutritionists the ability to analyse the NSP content and its fractions (soluble and insoluble) within customers’ raw materials.
Our Head of Global Technical, Gilson Gomes says:
“We anticipate that the level of interest in the fibre fraction of the diet is likely to increase due to a variety of different factors, some examples include: nutritionists looking to replace soybean meal, consideration for using more local ingredients and the desire to improve gut function through the use of more fibrous ingredients.
"With this in mind, we believe that an improved knowledge of fibre composition is needed in order to effectively employ nutritional strategies which can serve to boost fibre fermentation by the gut microbiota, thereby positively influencing the host metabolism and overall performance.
"Traditionally, many nutritionists have given little or no attention to understanding fibre composition and content in monogastric diets. This has led to a misconception among some nutritionists who often consider the fibre content of monogastric diets to be low. Our new NIR analysis service will enable us to analyse the level of NSP and suggest feed strategies for customers to get more from their fibre fraction.
"NIR is a well-established method for analysis and quality control of ingredients providing fast and inexpensive analysis. Results of NSP calibrations for feedstuff have shown that it is possible to predict NSPs for a range of feedstuffs.”
We will continue to develop our service offering, with results of lignin being incorporated soon to provide total dietary fibre (NSP + lignin) analysis.
The guide illustrates NSP variation in barley, canola meal, corn, soybean meal, sorghum, and wheat. Producers and nutritionists can request a free copy of the guide from their regional AB Vista representative.
