July 6, 2009

Recent research commissioned by Beneo showed that Innofiber, a natural fibre released during the extraction of inuline from chicory roots, can have many benefits for monogastric animals.

Innofiber has a prebiotic mode of action and can be used to promote gut health in farm animals.

The fibre's energy value is comparable to beet pulp and has an inuline content of five to 17 percent. The balance of soluble and non-soluble fractions in the product also makes it a good water absorber.

The soluble fraction is fermented in the colon to volatile fatty acids. This creates a low pH which in turn promotes good gut action and development. The inuline in the product promotes the growth of beneficial gut bacteria such as Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus and Bacteroides.

The fibres decrease constipation in animals which creates firmer manure and also affects nitrogen metabolism.

The fibres catch a large part of the nitrogen molecules in the gut, which reduced the amount of nitrogen excreted in urine and manure. The water absorbing properties of the fibres let the animals feel more "full" in the stomach, which in turn can calm down the animals.

Innofiber is mainly mixed in ruminant feeding, but also works in piglets, sows, poultry, horses, calves and pets.

Belgium's Beneo-Animal Nutrition is the newly created, dedicated animal nutrition sales and marketing organisation of the Beneo - Group. The Group specialises in food and feed ingredients with nutritional and technical benefits.