Dried sugar beet pulp as a source of soluble dietary fibre in equine nutrition: A review
2021
Wróblewska, P. | Hikawczuk, T. | Wiliczkiewicz, A.
Dietary fibre is an important nutrient present both in roughage and concentrates for horses. On the one hand, it plays a key role in processes related to the motility of the gastrointestinal tract. On the other hand, its decomposition within the cecum and colon is a source of energy for a horse. This energy is more readily available as soluble fractions in such components increase, mainly pectin. Hence, components such as dried beet pulp, soy hull or dried citrus pulp are classified as sources of the so-called ‘super fibre’ because of the high soluble fraction. The fibre composition analysis in mixtures is carried out using three different methods. In Poland, sugar beet pulp is a common component with a high content of soluble structural carbohydrates. Due to the gastrointestinal tract structure in horses, it is appropriate to use dried sugar beet pulp due to the low risk of fungal and moulds contamination. Additionally, they are proper for animals with gastrointestinal problems because metabolites formed during fibre degradation affect the regeneration of intestinal epithelium. Their application as one of the components affects the effective use of excess protein present in the diet for animals, which is especially important in horses with kidney or liver diseases. This review describes the importance of the dietary fibre fraction and the benefits resulting from the use of feed components called super fibre, with particular emphasis on dried sugar beet pulp and their impact on the gastrointestinal health of horses.
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