German Fiber Boosts Poultry Health in Hot Climates

Farmers in Nigeria just got a powerful new tool to help their chickens survive and thrive in scorching tropical heat.

German agricultural company J. Rettenmaier and Söhne (JRS) introduced ARBOCEL to Nigerian livestock producers at a Lagos roundtable this month. The plant-based cellulose fiber addresses a critical challenge that African farmers face every day.

Animals bred in cooler European climates struggle when raised in Nigeria's hot weather. The stress from heat makes them grow slower, get sick more often, and die at higher rates. Traditional feed ingredients haven't solved this climate mismatch.

ARBOCEL works differently than typical fiber sources. The product contains 70 percent insoluble fiber, compared to just 10 percent in conventional feeds. This high fiber content acts like a digestive aid, strengthening gut health and helping animals handle environmental stress better.

The compound also avoids problems that plague regular feed ingredients. Traditional crude fibers often carry mycotoxins and harmful bacteria that sicken livestock. ARBOCEL's manufacturing process keeps it free from these contaminants.

JRS Business Unit Head Manfred Pietsch explained that the fiber functions as both a filler and binder in animal feed. It improves gut development in young birds, increases egg production in laying hens, and boosts fertility in breeding chickens. In pigs, it strengthens immunity and intestinal health.

Mid-Century Agro Allied Ventures partnered with JRS to bring the product to Nigerian farmers. Managing Director Raymond Isiadinso said Nigerian livestock nutrition has been missing key ingredients that help animals perform at their full potential.

The Ripple Effect

Nigeria's massive population means even small improvements in livestock health could feed millions more people. JRS chose Nigeria as their entry point into tropical Africa specifically because of the country's size and farming potential.

The company has supplied innovative cellulose fibers to manufacturers worldwide for over three decades. Their track record in other hot climates suggests Nigerian farmers could see real results quickly.

Better animal health means more than just bigger chickens. Healthier livestock translates to more affordable protein for Nigerian families, higher incomes for farmers, and less food waste from animals dying before reaching market.

The natural, plant-based solution also aligns with growing demand for sustainable farming practices. Unlike antibiotics or synthetic additives, the fiber simply helps animals' digestive systems work the way nature intended.

For Nigerian farmers competing in tight markets, reducing mortality rates even slightly can make the difference between profit and loss. Climate stress won't disappear, but now farmers have a scientifically proven way to help their animals beat the heat.