In non-ruminants, how does fermentable fiber influence energy supply?

• A. In non-ruminants, fermentable fiber provides energy only through microbial fermentation in the hindgut.
• B. It provides energy but excessive amounts may reduce digestibility.
• C. It has no energy value in non-ruminants.
• D. It is fully digested by the stomach.

Answer: (B)

In non-ruminants, fermentable fiber is fermented by microbes in the hindgut, and the resulting short-chain fatty acids provide a usable energy source for the animal. This means there is real energy value from fermentable fiber. At the same time, feeding too much fermentable fiber can slow digestion and reduce the digestibility of other nutrients, which can lower the overall energy obtained from the diet. So the best choice reflects both the energy contribution from hindgut fermentation and the potential negative impact of excessive fiber on digestibility. The other options are not accurate: energy from fermentable fiber is not limited to a single process in the hindgut to the exclusion of all other nutrient digestion, and fermentable fiber is not digested by the stomach.