title: Application of inulin-type fructans in animal feed and pet food.
abstract: The inulin-type fructans are non-digestible oligosaccharides that are fermented in the gastrointestinal tract of farm animals and pets. This review focuses on the various effects of inulin-type fructans in pigs, poultry, calves and companion animals. Effects of the inulin-type fructans on gut microflora, digestion and availability of nutrients, gut morphology, fermentation characteristics and animal performance are discussed. Inulin-type fructans can support animal performance and health by affecting nutrient digestion, gut microflora and gut morphology, although results vary depending on composition of the basal diet, inclusion level, type of fructan, adaptation period and experimental hygienic conditions.
authors.affiliation: Animal Nutrition Group, Wageningen UR, Lelystad, The Netherlands. han.verdonk@wur.nl
authors.forename: J M A J
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Verdonk
authors.forename: S B
authors.initials: SB
authors.lastname: Shim
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: van Leeuwen
authors.forename: M W A
authors.initials: MW
authors.lastname: Verstegen
mesh_terms: D000821:Animal Feed; D000818:Animals; D000829:Animals, Domestic; D002417:Cattle; D004043:Dietary Fiber / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D007444:Inulin / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D011200:Poultry; D013552:Swine
chemical_list: D004043:Dietary Fiber; D007444:Inulin