NDF

NDF (neutral detergent fibre) stands for the total content of cell wall substances in feed plants. These fibrous structural carbohydrates of the cell walls are determined in the extended Weender Analysis. NDF comprises all fibre carbohydrates that are not soluble in neutral solution. This therefore includes hemicelluloses, celluloses, lignin (wood substance) and lignin-nitrogen compounds.

NDF represents a large part of horses’ natural feed. It is particularly important for chewing activity, saliva production (buffering of stomach acid), as food for the beneficial colon microbes, and it provides the horse with a significant amount of energy. In horses with metabolic disorders, feeds containing NDF are suitable as an alternative to grain.