A groundbreaking solution to increase the body weight of birds and significantly reduce mortality rates in livestock, regardless of harsh climatic conditions, has been introduced to the Nigerian market. The innovation, an insoluble fibre concentrate for animal feed, was unveiled at a recent industry roundtable in Lagos.
Scientific Breakthrough in Animal Nutrition
The product, branded ARBOCEL, was presented by the German firm J. Rettenmaier and Söhne (JRS). Manfred Pietsch, Head of the Business Unit Livestock at JRS, explained that ARBOCEL is a plant-based cellulose fiber already used in pharmaceuticals and nutrition. Unlike traditional crude fibre sources, it is rich in pure, insoluble fibre.
Pietsch highlighted that conventional fibres often carry disadvantages like high mycotoxin contamination and nutrient binding. In contrast, ARBOCEL's concentrated insoluble fibre content, approximately 70%, acts as a filler and binder without consuming valuable space in feed formulations. Its primary function is to enhance gut health and overall welfare in poultry and pigs.
Multifaceted Benefits for Nigerian Farmers
The benefits of integrating ARBOCEL into livestock feed are extensive and directly address critical challenges in Nigerian production systems. For broilers, it leads to:
- Improved general performance and weight gain.
- Better litter quality and gut health.
- Enhanced gut development.
For layers, the product improves laying performance and reduces feather pecking. Across broiler breeders, it aids in weight control, boosts fertility and hatchability, and improves overall performance. For pig farmers, it strengthens intestinal health and immunity in piglets.
Why Nigeria is the Focal Point for Tropical Africa
Ahmed Mahmoudi, Product and Sales Manager for Animal Nutrition at JRS, stated that the company chose Nigeria as the launch point for tropical Africa due to its large population and potential to transform livestock production. JRS, with over 30 years of global experience in supplying innovative cellulose fibers, believes this product will directly increase farmers' profitability.
The seminar convener, Mr. Raymond Isiadinso, Managing Director of Mid-Century Agro Allied Ventures Ltd., contextualized the need. He noted that Nigerian livestock nutrition has historically lacked specific ingredients to optimize production, a gap ARBOCEL now fills.
"Many animals bred in Nigeria originate from regions with more manageable climates," Isiadinso explained. "The weather difference here places immense stress on them, causing under-production." He emphasized that ARBOCEL is the critical tool to help animals reared in Nigeria's challenging climate perform at the same level as those in ideal conditions, effectively bridging the environmental gap for breeders.
