Neutral Detergent Fiber (NDF) is the most common measure of fiber used for animal feed analysis, but it does not represent a unique class of chemical compounds. NDF measures most of the structural components in plant cells (i.e. lignin, hemicellulose and cellulose), but not pectin. [1]
Recent nutritional requirement tables of ruminants report limits for NDF intake.
The level of NDF in the animal ration influences the intake of dry matter and the time of rumination, although the concentration of NDF in feeds is negatively correlated with energy concentration.
References
1. Van Soest, P. J., J. B. Robertson, and B. A. Lewis. 1991. Methods for dietary fiber, neutral detergent fiber, and nonstarch polysaccharides in relation to animal nutrition. J. Dairy Sci. 74:3583–3597.
2. AOAC Official Method 2002.04 Amylase-Treated Neutral Detergent Fiber in Feeds.