Pectin in pig nutrition, a comparative review

A comprehensive review is given on pectin effects in pigs. Its effects on feed passage and digestion in the small intestine, the composition of ileal digesta and fermentation in the colon are described. Pectins promote fermentation at the terminal ileum and in the first part of the colon. It is shown, that pectin opposite to cellulose is degraded to high extents in the colon. Dietetic effects in relation to composition of ileocaecal digesta, endogenous secretions, buffering and pH-stability, high fermentability of organic matter in the colon and resulting volatile fatty acids (VFA) in the cranial part of the colon and even its possible interactions to colonization of the gut by infectious bacteria are described. Pectin effects concerning volume of the intestinal tract, distribution of VFA and lactic acid, role of endogenous secretions are described. The negative effect of pectins on praecaecal digestibility, their high degradation rates in the large intestine and consequences for their dietetic effects are discussed.