NONSTARCH POLYSACCHARIDES IN PIG-FEEDING

In pigs and humans, the nutrients starch, protein, fat and some minera ls need to be digested prior to the terminal neum for optimal use of t hese nutrients, In contrast, the non-starch polysaccharides (NSP) are mainly fermented by microbes in the hindgut, Results of experiments in pigs showed that NSP negatively affected apparent digestion of protei n, fat and some minerals, In addition, large amounts of fermented NSP increased the empty weight of the hindgut, Because tissue of organs li ke the intestinal tract are metabolically very active, it may have req uired more energy for maintenance, hence leaving less energy for growt h, Despite all the negative effects as mentioned above, including NSP- rich ingredients in pig diets also has quite a lot of advantages. Thei r energy supply can cover the energy requirements for maintenance. In addition, positive effects on the well-being and health of pigs, and o n the excretion of ammonia are claimed. In conclusion, in future pig d iet formulation not only the nutritional aspects of NSP-rich ingredien ts should be taken into account, but also their non-nutritional aspect s. This might be realized by developing nutrient based feed evaluation systems, rather than the energy based systems which are presently use d.