Linafiber

Linafiber is a unique ingredient which is added to the feed of highly productive sows

Linafiber has a unique composition:

• Linseed, as a source of omega-3 fatty acids and mucilages
• Chicory fiber, as a source of soluble fermentable fibers
• Inulin, a prebiotic of chicory origin
• BeneoCarb S, a high energy sugar syrup

With a well-chosen selection of raw materials, Linafiber improves the digestion and metabolism of sows.

a) Inulin: a real prebiotic

Inulin is composed of fructose chains that vary in length.  Chains with a length of less than 10 fructose units are called 'oligofructose' (OF) or 'fructo-oligosaccharide' (FOS), but other chains may go up to 60 fructose units.  These fructose chains are typical in that they cannot be broken down by the normal enzymatic digestive system of the animal and therefore will stay in the intestinal flow, where they enhance bacterial fermentation.

Table 1: Ab libitum intake of feed and water of sows during 5-14 weeks' gestation period, comparing diets rich in fiber (adapted from Van Oeckel et al., 2005)

BP = beet pulp, CF = crude fiber

What is so special about them is that they encourage the good intestinal bacteria to multiply, to the detriment of potentially pathogenic bacteria.

What are the expected benefits?

• Production of volatile fatty acids (VFA) in the intestine, which slightly lowers the pH and reduces the pathogenic bacteria.  These VFA are also a source of energy for the intestinal cells, which results in improved nutrient absorption.  
• Better regularity and motility of the digestive tract. 
• Reduced production of malodorous components in the intestine.

b) Chicory fiber

The virtues of chicory have been known since ancient times.  The soluble and fermentable chicory fibers are excellent water absorbers and, when taken in very small doses, improve the consistency and volume of the intestinal content.

They enhance the peristaltic movements of the intestine, which may help reducing the risks of constipation in sows.  These phenomena are responsible for the reduction in stereotypic behaviour that is observed when sources of fiber, such as chicory fiber, are added to the sow feed.  Comparative studies confirm the benefits of chicory fibers (compared with beet pulps) to regulate the spontaneous ingestion of food and energy.

c) Omega-3

Omega-3 is abundantly present as alpha-linolenic acid in linseed.  This is a fatty acid (compound of fat) which is essential for mammals.  They have to be incorporated in our diet as we cannot synthesise them.

The omega-3 virtues are numerous:

• Cardiovascular
• Immunity
• Anti-inflammation
• Reproduction and fertility
• General condition of the animal (glossy coat)

The source of omega-3 in Linafiber is linseed, which is renowned for its virtues of improving the intestinal transit.  Consequently, Linafiber improves the digestion.  Linseed's positive impact on the fertility of sows has been observed by Canadian researchers (Lawrence et al, 2004) who noted a shorter interval between weaning and the return to the oestrous cycle (8.0 reduction at 7.4 d, 7,200 sows studied, 5% linseed in the sow feed).
In the same study, mortality before weaning came down from 13.7 (control group) to 10% (group with 5% linseed).

d) BeneoCarb S

BeneoCarb S is a high-energy sugar syrup with several beneficial properties for sow nutrition.  The sweet, honey-like taste of this product stimulates the feed intake.  This results in a reduced mobilization of body reserves during lactation.  The positive effect of the slow but complete energy release of this ingredient on sow performances has been reported.  The specific characteristics of this sugar syrup meet the complex energy requirements of the highly productive sow.

Table 2: Linafiber content

AID  = Apparent intestinal digestibility

Table 3: Recommended content of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids in sow feed.