View article

In pigs and humans, the nutrients starch, protein, fat and some minerals need to be digested prior to the terminal ileum for optimal use of these 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 protein, fat and some minerals. In addition, large amounts of fermented NSP increased the empty weight of the hindgut. Because tissue of organs like the intestinal tract are metabolically very active, it may have required more energy for maintenance, hence leaving less energy for growth. Despite all the negative effects as mentioned above, including NSP‐rich ingredients in pig diets also has quite a lot of advantages. Their energy supply can cover the energy requirements for maintenance. In addition, positive effects on the well‐being and health of pigs, and on the excretion of …