J. Rettenmaier and Söhne (JRS), a German enterprise, has identified the incorporation of insoluble fiber concentrate into livestock feed as the most effective strategy to enhance bird weight gain and reduce mortality rates across various climatic conditions.
During a recent roundtable seminar held in Lagos and facilitated by Mid-Century Agro Allied Ventures LTD, Manfred Pietsch, Head of the Livestock Business Unit at JRS, emphasized that unlike conventional fiber sources, Arbocel contains a high concentration of insoluble fiber. This fiber type is scientifically validated to be free from contaminants and does not occupy excessive volume in feed formulations.
Introducing Arbocel-a plant-derived cellulose fiber widely utilized in pharmaceuticals, nutrition, and other sectors-Pietsch explained its role as a filler and binder that supports gut health and overall welfare in poultry and swine. He addressed Nigerian nutritionists, highlighting the product’s benefits.
He pointed out that traditional crude fibers often suffer from drawbacks such as mycotoxin contamination, elevated microbial counts, nutrient binding by soluble fibers, and a relatively low crude fiber content of around 10%. In contrast, Arbocel offers approximately 70% crude insoluble fiber, which contributes to enhanced livestock performance. Benefits include improved litter quality and gut health in broilers, better gut development, increased laying efficiency, reduced feather pecking in layers, effective weight management, enhanced fertility and hatchability, as well as strengthened intestinal health and immunity in piglets.
Ahmed Mahmoudi, Product and Sales Manager for Animal Nutrition at JRS, shared that the company has strategically chosen Nigeria as the focal point for introducing Arbocel to tropical Africa, given the country’s large population and potential to boost livestock productivity and farmer profitability.
Mahmoudi also noted that JRS has been a global supplier of innovative cellulose fibers to manufacturers for over three decades, achieving notable success with their product range.
Raymond Isiadinso, Managing Director of Mid-Century Agro Allied Ventures Ltd and organizer of the seminar, remarked that Nigerian livestock nutrition has historically lacked certain key ingredients essential for maximizing production, with Arbocel filling this critical gap.
He further explained that specific nutrients play vital roles in maintaining the structural integrity of the gastrointestinal tract and internal systems of animals, especially in Nigeria’s diverse climatic conditions. These environmental stresses often hinder optimal animal productivity.
“Many livestock breeds in Nigeria originate from regions with more temperate climates that align better with their physiological needs. When these animals are relocated here, they are typically confined to controlled environments to adhere to breeding protocols,” Isiadinso stated.
“However, discrepancies between the original and local climates pose challenges. To bridge this gap and ensure that animals raised in Nigeria perform comparably to those in their native climates, nutritional interventions like Arbocel are essential,” he concluded.
