Fermentation of material in the gut may change from soluble (guar gum) and insoluble (cellulose) non-starch polysaccharides (NSP) influencing gut bacteria populations. Available nutrients and energy for the pig are reduced when fibre in their diet increases. Ileal bacterial populations and energy digestibility were studied in reference to purified NSP fractions given. Bacteria counts were increased except for Bifidobacteria when NSP was given. Energy digestibility was decreased from 73% to 39% in the ileum when soluble and insoluble NSP were added. The amount of fermentable dry matter in the small intestine was increased with soluble and insoluble NSP which helps in proliferation of ileal bacteria in grower pigs due to having a substrate. Nutrient digestibility was decreased. Nutrient absorption and digestion could be aided by adding supplements to NSP high diets such as NSP degrading enzyme.
Soluble and Insoluble Non-Starch Polysaccharides on Nutrient Digestibility and Ileal Bacteria Populations in Grower Pigs (full article)
