Pig International - November 2017 - 35
PigInternational ❙ 35 it becomes a more useful commodity as it can a substantial source of nutrients, containing 10 percent crude protein, about 10 percent sugar and a substantial array of fibers. The latter include mainly celluloses, hemicelluloses and pectins. Pectin concentration can reach up to 20 percent of dried sugar beet pulp, making it a most interesting fiber. It is often speculated that the high swelling (water holding capacity) exhibited by dried sugar beet pulp is mostly due to its high pectin concentration. A close look at the table presented in this article will demonstrate that pure pectin (from apples) is not as strong as in holding water as sugar beet pulp fibers. This is perhaps due to the different pectins among the two sources, or an interaction of different fibers within sugar beet pulp. At any rate, dried sugar beet pulp remains the strongest raw material in terms of water holding capacity. Wood fiber (lignocellulose) Local regulations should be consulted concerning the status of this product in the country of destination. All information only for export outside Europe, UsA and canada. A most unlikely source of fiber, wood fiber (lignocellulose) has become almost a commodity nowadays. It is mostly, but not exclusively, made of celluloses, hemicel- luloses and lignin. This ingredient is highly hydroscopic (absorbs water), but not to the extent of sugar beet pulp. It also offers other fibers, as well, and most importantly a variety of phenolic compounds that can exert antioxidant activity. The most pronounced benefit of this novel source of fiber is that it is a wholesome (not purified), yet concentrated source of functional fibers. Thus, it is preferred by premix manufacturers who are always pressed for space in their product formulations. Take-home message Today, we have breached the wall of crude fiber that kept everything ensconced in a black box. Ruminants led the way, but monogastrics have not benefited from such knowledge as the antibiotic-free era have forced nutrition thinking to delve into biological aspects. We have done most of the qualitative work, that enabled us to create a modus operandi. What we now need is a final push to obtain quantitative data that will transform all these data into practical feed formulation techniques. ■ Mycotoxin risk: ALL SET ? * Olmix's unique algae-clay based technology * Customized solutions * Incorporated in the feed diagnostic tools wide spectrum technical support Rate your mycotoxin risk on : olmix.com/evaluator www.olmix.com