An Overview of Non Starch Polysaccharide

Abstract

Polysaccharides are macromolecules of monosaccharides linked by glycosidic bonds. Polysaccharides are widespread bi opolymers, which quantitatively represent the most important group o f nutrients in feed. These are major components of plant materials used in rations for monogastrics. Non-starch polysaccharides (NSP) contain s-glucans, cellulose, pectin and hemicellulose. NSP consist of both soluble and insoluble fractions. Soluble NSP of cereals such as wheat, barley and rye increases intestinal viscosity there by interfere w ith the digestive processes and exert strong negative effects on net utilisatio n of energy. NSP cannot be degraded by endogeneous enzymes and therefore reach the colon almost indigested. Insoluble NSP make up the bulk in the d iets. NSP are known to posses anti-nutritional properties by either encaps ulating nutrients and/or depressing overall nutrient digestibility through g astro-intestinal modifications.