Neutral Detergent Fibre (NDF) Analysis

Neutral Detergent Fibre (NDF) measures the total structural fibre content of plant materials and represents the bulk of the plant cell wall. It is one of the most important fibre parameters used in feed analysis.
NDF includes cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin. These components form the structural framework of plant tissue and are more resistant to digestion than other nutrients, such as starch or sugars.

NDF is closely related to feed intake, particularly in ruminant animals. Higher NDF levels generally reduce voluntary intake because structural fibre increases bulk, slows digestion, and limits rumen capacity.
At the same time, adequate levels of NDF are essential for proper rumen function, as fibre supports chewing activity and microbial fermentation.

NDF is widely used in feed evaluation to assess forage quality, predict feed intake, and support ration formulation. It is particularly useful when comparing different raw materials or monitoring consistency in feed production.