Acid Detergent Lignin (ADL)

Acid Detergent Lignin (ADL) analysis measures the lignin content of plant material, which is the most indigestible component of fibre.
ADL represents the lignin fraction of the plant cell wall. Lignin is a complex structural polymer that provides strength and rigidity to plant tissues and protects them from degradation.

Lignin has a major impact on fibre digestibility. As lignin content increases, it restricts access to cellulose and hemicellulose, reducing the ability of animals to utilise these nutrients.
Higher ADL values are therefore associated with reduced digestibility and lower feed quality, particularly in more mature plant material.

ADL is used to evaluate forage maturity, assess digestibility limitations, and support nutritional modelling. It is often interpreted alongside NDF and ADF to give a more complete picture of fibre composition.