β-Mannans: The problem component in the feeds
- β-mannans (β-galactomannans) are non-starch polysaccharide (NSP) fibers found in leguminous feed ingredients.
- β-Mannans are one of the important components of non-starch polysaccharides (NSPs) found in leguminous feed ingredients and are widely distributed across cereal grains.
- Soyabean meal, Cocunut meal, Palm kernel meal, Guar meal, Sesame meal, Rice bran, Full fat SBM, Sunflower meal and Rapeseed meal etc., comprises significant Mannan component.
- β-Mannans trigger an Feed Induced Immune Response (FIIR) which consumes energy and nutrients. The immune response is known to consume up to ~3% ME.
- Mannans also increase the viscosity of feed, thereby decreasing feed efficiency, growth and amino acid digestibility.
- β-Galactomannans are found in the endosperm layer of legume seeds (Soyabean meal, Guar meal, Sunflower meal and Sesame meal etc.)
- The presence of the β-mannan fibers can have the effect of reducing glucose absorption, insulin secretion and increasing viscosity.
- This triggers an innate immune response which consumes energy and nutrients. Even small amounts of β-mannans trigger the response.