German Firm Introduces Fiber Solution to Boost Weight Gain, Gut Health for Nigerian Livestock

News in brief:

-JRS introduced a solution to boost livestock health, improve feed efficiency, and support livestock farmers facing climate challenges in Nigeria.

-Experts say the product can reduce mortality, enhance fertility, and increase productivity, positioning Nigeria for stronger livestock performance and food security.

Nigeria’s livestock sector may soon witness a significant shift in feed formulation, as a German company, J. Rettenmaier and Söhne (JRS), has introduced Arbocel, a plant-based insoluble fibre, which experts say could improve animal health, reduce mortality, and increase farmers’ profits.

A New Approach to Livestock Nutrition

At the first Livestock Distributor Seminar in Lagos, organised by Mid-Century Agro Allied Ventures Limited, JRS officials explained that Arbocel works as a natural feed additive that supports gut health and improves feed efficiency in poultry and pigs.

According to Manfred Pietsch, Head of Business Unit Livestock at JRS, Arbocel is different from traditional fibre sources commonly used in Nigeria. “Most crude fibres are contaminated with mycotoxins, take up unnecessary space in feed, and often bind essential nutrients,” he said. “Arbocel, on the other hand, contains about 70% crude insoluble fibre, making it cleaner, safer, and more effective.”

Why Insoluble Fibre Matters

Insoluble fibre is a dietary component that helps regulate digestion without dissolving in water. For poultry and pigs, this type of fibre strengthens the gut lining, reduces digestive problems, and ensures better nutrient absorption.

Pietsch highlighted several benefits of Arbocel in animal production:

• Improved growth rates and body weight in broilers.
• Healthier gut development and reduced disease risks.
• Better laying performance and feather condition in layers.
• Improved fertility and hatchability in breeders.
• Stronger immunity and intestinal health in piglets.

He stressed that adopting insoluble fibre could lead to better litter quality, reduced mortality, and higher productivity across livestock farms.

Targeting Nigeria as a Key Market

Ahmed Mahmoudi, Product and Sales Manager for Animal Nutrition at JRS, said Nigeria was chosen as the focal point for introducing Arbocel in tropical Africa because of its large population and growing demand for meat and eggs. “We believe this product will help farmers in Nigeria increase productivity and profitability,” he noted, adding that JRS has supplied cellulose fibres globally for more than 30 years with proven success.

Bridging the Climate Gap in Animal Production

For Nigerian farmers, one major challenge has been raising imported livestock breeds in the country’s hot and humid climate. Raymond Isiadinso, Managing Director of Mid-Century Agro Allied Ventures Limited, explained that Arbocel could help bridge this gap.

“Many of the breeds we rear in Nigeria were originally developed in climates more suitable for their physiology. The difference often affects performance,” he said. “By improving gut health and internal adaptation, Arbocel helps ensure these animals can thrive here, despite the harsher weather conditions.”

A Step Forward for Nigerian Farmers

With Nigeria struggling to meet rising demand for affordable meat, milk, and eggs, experts say innovations like Arbocel could make a real difference. By cutting mortality and boosting weight gain in animals, farmers stand to benefit from higher yields, reduced losses, and stronger food security.

For poultry and pig farmers looking to improve efficiency, the introduction of insoluble fibre into feed formulations could be a practical and profitable game-changer.