Some effects of bran and cellulose on the water relationships in the digesta and faeces of pigs Part I. The effects of including bran and two forms of cellulose in otherwise normal rations

Abstract

1. Attempts to investigate the physical properties of bran, and other feedingstuffs, with regard to their ability to absorb and retain water, have been outlined.2. Two experiments have been described in which pigs were fed bran, fibrous cellulose, or different levels of powdered cellulose, added to normal pig rations. These experiments involved 24 hr. faecal collections, and ultimate slaughter of the animals, together with analysis of faecal material and gut contents.3. The addition of bran or fibrous cellulose to a ration causes a reduction in the average percentage of dry matter in the faeces, but tends to emphasize fluctuations in faecal dry-matter percentage, which are attributed to fluctuations in rate of passage through the large intestine.4. The behaviour of the powdered cellulose was anomalous, giving rise to hard stools. It appeared to be almost inert in relation to water.